Friday, 5 June 2020 1 Kings 3:1-15
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” -1 Kings 3:9
When was the last time you prayed such a prayer? Most of our prayers are just lists that demand things from God. Here we read of a sincere prayer from Solomon asking God for a discerning heart to carry out a difficult task entrusted to him by God. What could have been the reasons for such a prayer?
First he stated his inadequacy before the Lord: “…as for me, I am but a little boy [in wisdom and experience]; I do not know how to go out or come in [that is, how to conduct business as a king]. (1 Kings 3:7 AMP) He realized that he did not have the capabilities to carry out such a significant mandate. He lacked experience and vision, the much needed qualities to come out a winner. He also understood that he required wisdom and understanding more than strength and power to fulfill the assignment entrusted to him. Maybe you are facing a gigantic endeavor yourself just like Solomon. Do not fear- the Lord who endowed Solomon with wisdom can give you the same, if you ask without doubting (James 1:5).
Secondly, Solomon understood the task involved the governance of God’s people (V. 9). It meant that God was the owner and he was only a steward and that he was accountable to God for every decision he executed. You and I are also entrusted with various responsibilities – family, ministry, work (at home and in the market place). Have we understood that it has all been given to us by God and that one day we have to give an account of our stewardship (word and deed) on the tasks entrusted to us? Luke 12:48 says "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much , much more will be asked."
Thirdly, he knew he was fallible in nature, unlike the INFALLIBLE character of God. Hence he needed a heart that would enable him to distinguish between right and wrong (V.9). Truth these days has become relative. What’s right for one could be wrong for another. How could a Christian live an error-free life without an absolute truth to stand on? Psalm 19 introduces us to the Perfect Law of God. God’s law always revives the soul, makes us wise, give joy to our hearts and gives light to our eyes. Psalm 119:130 [AMPC] says: “The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.” If we have this law etched in our hearts, is there possibility for us to make wrong choices in life?
As long as Solomon followed God’s Word wholeheartedly, his ways were always pleasing to God. God not only granted him his requests but added more blessings to them.
Let’s like Solomon in our reading today, seek God and His ways so that we would find power and resources for each day’s activities and our discipleship will glorify Him.
Think on it: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” ~Matthew 6:33
Listen: ‘GOD I look to You’
Comentários