Cross-eyed in Satan’s Crosshairs
King Solomon became cross-eyed and a sure target in Satan’s crosshairs. “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people” (1:10). Perhaps he should have asked God for wisdom to lead himself.
When did Solomon’s eyes, once squarely centered on God, become cross-eyed? When did he begin depending more on himself and less on God? Maybe it started when he began accumulating many horses in direct opposition to God’s command (9:28, Deut. 17:16, Is. 31:1). Then his wandering eye amassed more wives than he knew what to do with (1 Kings 11:3). Did he really believe God would overlook his behavior? After all, he was King David’s son, and he was building a house for God. Solomon lost his focus and total dependence upon God and began looking to himself. He was cross-eyed and gradually moving into Satan’s crosshairs.
King Uzziah also became cross-eyed and moved into Satan’s crosshairs. “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (26:5, 16).
God wants both our eyes totally zeroed in on Him. When one eye begins to stray, may God help us recognize the danger and refocus our gaze back on Him. If we don’t, the other eye may soon follow. When that happens, Satan has us in his crosshairs, and he will take us out every time.
“The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (15:2, 16:9).
A huge enemy army was poised to attack King Jehoshaphat and the land of Judah. He sought the Lord, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (20:12). No crossed eyes here. And Jehoshaphat was not the only one whose eyes were on the Lord. He urged whole families to join him. “All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord” (20:13). “This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s’” (20:15). Jehoshaphat engaged the battle with song and praise, and God went to work (20:22).
Meet Tim and Megan. Their long-time close friends convinced them of an opportunity to invest their hard-earned savings into a venture that guaranteed a high return. It must be a safe bet, for after all, their friends did it too. Tim and Megan agreed, “We have such a good feeling about this! What could possibly go wrong? This is just too good to pass up!” There was only one problem: Tim and Megan failed to first consult God, the Bible, and godly counsel; and they ignored the gentle check of the Holy Spirit. They soon learned the hard way that their intuition was severely lacking when not paired with seeking God’s face.
King Amaziah spent a lot of money on Israelite troops without consulting God and was severely rebuked. “Amaziah asked the man of God, ‘But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?’ The man of God replied, ‘The Lord can give you much more than that’” (25:9). In other words, don’t worry about it and just do the right thing.
Tim and Megan repented before God for their lack of faith and trust in Him in regard to their finances. They learned the hard way that when they lean on anyone more than God, there will be pain (2 Kings 18:21). They refocused with all eyes on the One who is a faithful provider and chose to trust God’s Word, “The Lord can give you much more than that.”
It’s so easy to get cross-eyed, go off course, and fall directly into the path of Satan’s crosshairs. Don’t lean on your own understanding (Pro. 3:5). God deserves our loyalty and undivided attention. He will not disappoint.
Consider this:
Is there an adjustment or realignment in your source for security that needs to be made? Has the Tim and Megan scenario played out in your marriage?
Wives depend on husbands a lot and that’s understandable. However, don’t depend on your spouse to do what really belongs to God.
Do what Jehoshaphat did when faced with an impending battle. Look fully into God’s face (Psalm 24:6), involve your family, and praise His Name before the victory.