Evening star., 1927-09-24
Sunday School Lesson
may be kept from falling: and that
those who have fallen may rise again"
SOlOmOn's Greatness.

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those who have fallen may rise again"
Solomon's Greatness.
Solomon's greatness was due to his
seeking wisdom, but his glory followed
his carrying out the building program
according to the plans prepared by his
father. David had longed to erect a
temple for the worship of Jehovah, but
was not permitted to do 1t because he
had been man of blood. He was as
sured that his successor would be
given that privilege and Solomon was
named his successor, in accordance
with Gods plan and David's promise.
Solomon won recognition as a scien-
tist, philosopher and builder. He was
successful in the extension of the boun-
daries of the kingdom and in his COM
mercial enterprises. His fame rests
upon his work as q builder Of the
temple in accordance with the pre-
pared plans that his father gave to
him.
He failed through disobedience of
Gods law. It started with making
foreign marriages with daughters of
other rulers. This resulted finally
in his worshiping at heather shrines.
He was warned that the kingdom
would be divided after his death be-
shrines. This was fulfilled when his
Rehoboam declined the petition pre-
sented by Jeroboam for economic re.
lief. The young King wisely asked
time to consider the request, but he
rejected the wisdom of his aged ad-
visers, followed the suggestions of
his youthful companions and lost
the 10 tribes, who established a new
kingdom under Jeroboam. Culture
without character is a curse.
Sins Destructive Influence.
Our lessons have taught us that
sin was destructive. Saul lost his
kingdom because he disobeyed. David
suffered for his sin, but was forgiven
because he repented when he had 1t
pointed out to him. Solomon's
iniquity caused his son to fail to
answer the people wisely, so that the
kingdom was divided.
Men and nations are suffering to.
day from the same causes that we
saw wrecked the united kingdom.
Self1shness and autocratic rule are
destructive of human initiative and
freedom. In spite of their shortcomings
God used the imperfect rulers of
Israel and Judah to bring into
fruition His program for the devel-
opment of His political, religious.
ethical and social ideals. Our Lord
desires to use us. although we are
imperfect, in extending His kingdom
through our individual churches, com.
munities, commonwealths and coun.
tries.
History teaches us that leaders
mold the character of nations. The
great need today in every land is
for men whose hearts throb with love
for God and their fellow men and
who will be unmoved by the lust of
power. selfishness, or gold. The mis-.
sionaries are proving to be such men
In the various countries. Leaders in
the economic world are changing the
relationship existing between the EN-.
ployers and their employees by the
application of the principles of Jesus
to their controversies. Graft will
cease and peace among men be per.
manent when throughout the world
the Lord Jesus Is recognized as King
and all men try by the aid of the
Holy Spirit to do His will. His king.
dom will not rule over all until every
man and nation will do His will and
then men to men will brothers be.
IKE David and Jonathan.