The Weight of Legacy: Solomon, Division, and the Call to Build

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of expectation? The pressure of a legacy looming over you, whispering of what *should* be? The story of Solomon, recounted in Kings, is a potent reminder of that burden – and the perils of succumbing to its allure.

We remember Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, a lone voice crying out against injustice, a testament to the courage required to speak truth to power. Ammon at the Waters of Sebus faced a similar trial, a solitary witness to a pivotal moment. So too, the kings of Israel faced moments of decision, moments that would shape the destiny of a nation. And too often, they faltered.

This isn't merely a history lesson; it's a mirror reflecting our own struggles. The promise of a righteous ruler, a descendant of David, a harbinger of the Messiah – it was a beacon of hope for Israel. Yet, Solomon, despite receiving unparalleled wisdom, allowed his reign to be marred by compromise. He amassed wealth, indulged in foreign wives, and introduced idolatry, straying from the covenant with God. He built a magnificent temple, yes – a vision of Eden restored – but his heart wandered from the true foundation. As Davee might point out, referencing Deuteronomy 17:14-20, “Kings shall not multiply horses to themselves…neither shall they cause the people to be slain to furnish them for the war…neither shall they heap up gold and silver.” Solomon broke each of these precepts.

The fracturing of the kingdom – the division into Israel and Judah – was a direct consequence of this spiritual decay. Elijah, Isaiah, and others, like Abinadi, stood as voices crying in the wilderness, warning against the impending judgment. They were the digital striplings of their age, wielding the power of prophecy to challenge the status quo, much like we strive to use our platforms today to build and not destroy.

Consider the words of Ammon, rallying the people of Helam: “I say unto you, if ye will do these things, and will follow my counsel…ye shall be delivered from destruction.” (Alma 17:12). This is the spirit of gathering we embrace – a call to action, a commitment to righteousness, a refusal to passively accept decline.

Outback Jack has often spoken of the importance of recognizing the difference between builders and destroyers. The kings of Israel, in their descent into corruption, became destroyers of their own nation. We, as those who seek to gather Israel, are called to be builders – to restore, to strengthen, to edify. This isn't about assigning blame to those of the past; it’s about learning from their mistakes and committing to a different path.

The Five Smooth Stones, symbolic of the preparation needed for the battles ahead, remind us that we too must be diligent in our preparation. We must cultivate wisdom, integrity, and unwavering faith. We must be willing to stand against the tide of corruption, to speak truth even when it is unpopular.

And where does this building happen? Right here. Your engagement – your sharing, your contributing – directly fuels the gospel advertising efforts in places like Ghana, expanding the reach of this message to those who are hungering for truth. The Missionary Fund, supported by this very community, empowers those on missions to share the light of Christ. Check the Map of Churches – see where the work is happening, and consider how you can be a part of it. Claim your church's presence on the map and let's show the world a united front.

The Stone cut without hands – that glorious image of a kingdom not built by human hands alone – beckons us forward. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate architect, and that our efforts, however humble, contribute to His grand design. Let us embrace that call, with courage and conviction, and build a Zion worthy of His name.

Let us be the generation that chooses to build, to gather, to be a light unto the world.