SCRIPTURE:
“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’
8 “Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
1 Kings 3:5 & 8-9
OBSERVATION:
Solomon had the ability to ask for whatever he wanted. He chose to ask the Lord to give him discernment in leading God’s people and knowing between right and wrong. Furthermore, Solomon’s question of “who is able to govern this great people of yours,” affirmed that Solomon knew that successful leadership required God’s guidance and wisdom. We know that Solomon’s choice was a wise one resulting in God blessing him not only with his request of wisdom and discernment, but with abundant provision and riches.
APPLICATION:
I pondered what I would have asked for if I was in Solomon’s place, or even if I was offered a similar situation today where I was offered a lot of success and money versus serving God? I remember my mom always telling me “Johnny, the law of the land is self-preservation.” It was her way of telling me that people will always put themselves first, desiring and wanting what would fill and meet their needs rather than others.
I can honestly say that if I was placed in this situation prior to God being and moving in my life, I would probably have chosen money, position, or self-indulgence. Although I was raised to be nice to people, I was also raised that people strive for success and wealth.
I am so thankful that Jesus changed my heart and focus on life and in my call to serve Him. I am thankful that He has blessed me with the opportunity to lead pastors, leaders, volunteers, and people in the chosen calling to co-mission together in His Great Commission. It’s not a call to position and riches, but instead a call to see His plan and purpose come to fruition. It is in that calling that I seek and pray for wisdom and discernment like Solomon. May my leadership and decisions result in people changing, growing, and living their lives for Christ.
PRAYER:
Lord, my prayer is that I will remember daily that you called me to serve you and therefore to serve others. I’ve experienced first hand how important it is to lead people well in order to serve you. Please keep my heart humble, not seeking recognition or power, but seeking to further your kingdom with wisdom and discernment.
