It’s All About the Finish

A good start isn’t always enough to see us across the finish line.

Solomon started out great. When God asked Solomon what he wanted most, instead of asking for long life or great wealth, he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. Because of this unselfish request God gave him great wisdom, understanding, and wealth.

The Lord said, “Behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:12-14).

But over time Solomon forgot to follow God’s word, and his heart began to turn towards the gods of the nations in whom he made alliances through marriage. How serious had this become? He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

It says, “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David” (1 Kings 11:6).

God became angry with Solomon saying, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant” (1 Kings 11:11).

Starting well doesn’t mean that we will finish well. We need to faithfully live out this life of faith until the end.

The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2a).