Sunday School Stories

Growing up in a small country town, I don't think our Sunday School ever got bigger than 25 children, however I now realise it's importance.

 1 Kings 10.14-29

Reference:  v.23  King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Sunday School stories are very important.  If you grew up in church you may have attended Sunday School at some stage.  This is where you gather with other children of similar age and you are taught songs and stories from the Bible.  Growing up in a small country town, I don't think our Sunday School ever got bigger than 25 children, however I now realise it's importance.  Much of my Bible knowledge came from those songs and stories that I learnt in Sunday School.  While this was positive because it helped me to have some knowledge of the Bible, as I read back through the stories I realise that my Biblical accounts are missing some fairly significant segments.
King Solomon, for example.  The story that I remember most about Solomon was when two women came to him, both claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3.16-28).  His response to the women showed wisdom and discernment.  But now, as I read through his history more closely, I see a king of great wealth whose kingdom flowed with gold and cedar.  This whole passage speaks of his incredible riches.

Application:  It makes me wonder what people will remember of me when I die.  I can assure you that they wont remember my non-existent wealth!  However it is interesting to think of what may be the pivotal element of our lives that is remembered.  I recently delivered a sermon on William Wilberforce.  I learnt that he was a man that fought for many injustices in the world however the one that stands out the most is his fight to abolish the slave trade.  Whatever we do for God is important, no matter if it is remembered or not.  I am not suggesting that we live our lives only to make an impact when we die, however it's interesting to think of the impression that we will leave once we've gone.

Prayer:  Lord, your impression on this world has changed millions of lives.  May I be diligent and faithful in changing the lives that you have entrusted to me.  Amen.

What impression would your life make if you were to die today?

1 Kings