I’ve always been fascinated by Solomon and I can remember reading the story of the Lord appearing to him in a dream asking him to request whatever he wanted in 1 Kings 3:1-15.
Solomon started to identify the faithfulness and kindness of God (praise & honor), and acknowledging some of the things he had seen God do. After these acknowledgments, Solomon asked for a ‘discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong’. 1 Kings 3:9 He asked in humility for wisdom and discernment to lead well. Vs 10 says ‘The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this’.
Vs 11-14 ‘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 riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
You see Solomon could have asked for riches, success, favour, influence, so many things that we could ask for at times.
Solomon put God and Godly leadership first and asked for wisdom and discernment, and God looked after the rest, riches, honor, no equal kings, and long life.
Next time we go to God with requests, let’s allow God to search our hearts, knowing that when we put God first, he sorts the rest!
Nic Jones
GENERAL MANAGER