“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.

In Revelation 11 we see another kingdom of this earth end. Why? Solomon had so much. Wisdom of this world is not enough. Riches of this world is not enough. Solomon turned away from following God. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. v. 3. How? They followed other “gods”. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods. v. 7-8. In the notes below for context: Ashtoreth was a goddess that symbolized reproductive power – a mistress of the god Baal. Molek was the national god of the Ammonites, called “detestable” because its worship rites included child sacrifice. Chemosh was the Moabites’ national god. The Israelites were warned against worshipping all other gods in general and Molek in particular (Exodus 20:1-6; Leviticus 18:21; 20:1-5).

So God talked once again with Solomon to let him know that the kingdom would be torn away from him and given to another but not in his lifetime. It would happen to his son. v. 11-13. “But I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand; I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees. I will take the kingdom from his son’s hands and give you ten tribes. I will give one tribe to his son so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name.“ v. 34-36. That message was given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah.

Solomon reigned for 40 years and was buried in the city of David.

Jesus told Pilate, My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. Solomon’s kingdom was of this world and look at the result. A man who was able to humbly ask for wisdom from God to rule His people resorted to worshipping gods that were not, that do not exist, that were created in the minds of men who did not know God and who were willing to sacrifice children in their ignorance of the true God. How far the mighty fall…in every age.

When I get discouraged with events in this world, past and present, He reminds me His Kingdom is not of this world. The kingdoms of this world will fall away. And what will be left? What always was and will be. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

I am so grateful that our true King is not of this world. I will keep my eyes on Him who is faithful and true. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. And the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21.