SCRIPTURE:
“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?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.”
1 Kings 3:9-12
OBSERVATION:
Solomon already had what it took. God called and anointed it and his father set him up with the blueprint, literally. But, as we seen time and time again, in the Garden (Eve), at Meribah (Moses), on the ledge (Bathsheba), God’s calling and anointing it is only part of it. Solomon needed to follow through, and in this conversation with God he fulfills step one of the journey.
APPLICATION:
In asking for wisdom over wealth, Solomon’s first steps are right in line with God’s will, and he receives it all. Like PW’s story about the painting of the son, too often we fail to take the proper first step, seeing the grandeur of the promise instead of being faithful to the first step and the humble beginning. Solomon asks for the wisdom in order to lead well, taking the painting of the son and in turn receiving the riches for the masterpieces.
PRAYER:
God, what have I been asking for? Financial relief? Good health? Kobe IV Del Sols? Today I pray for A DISCERNING HEART TO GOVERN YOUR PEOPLE AND TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG. Amen.
