The Wisdom of God
I've recently been working my way through 1 Kings to 2 Chronicles, and all the history of the Kings of Israel and Judah, and how God blesses, judges and interacts with them and their people.
1 Kings Chapter 3 contains an interesting moment in the life of King Solomon, who was the son of King David.
It says in Verse 3 that, 'Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David...'
Then, after Solomon offers a huge sacrifice to The Lord at Gibeon, God appears to him and ask him a question, which sounds very much like the question asked by Jesus in John:
1 Kings Chapter 5 - 'That night The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, ''What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!''
The passage in John Chapter 1 Verse 38 - 'Jesus looked around and saw them following. ''What do you want?'' He asked them.
So Solomon replies, and asks for wisdom:
'Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern Your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours.'
1 Kings 3 Verse 9 - New Living Translation
I love the way he refers to ''Your people'', and not his own people. Solomon understands already that he is only in the position he is because of the grace of God, and that all things come from Him.
The two pieces of wisdom Solomon asks for are to have an understanding heart, particularly to govern, and to know the difference between right and wrong.
This wisdom cannot be taught by human teaching in itself, and as such is not the same kind of wisdom akin to knowing what 2 + 2 is for example.
Solomon also acknowledges that no one can govern, and therefore do anything in of itself, without the assistance and power of The Lord.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the message given in Solomon's words and actions before You, so long ago. I pray that when seeking wisdom, we seek it from You alone, and not go after the world's wisdom, which is limited.
We ask for the wisdom that only You can bring, to discern right from wrong, good from evil and a heart to understand Your heart, which is to love and serve You and Your people.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
1 Kings Chapter 3 contains an interesting moment in the life of King Solomon, who was the son of King David.
It says in Verse 3 that, 'Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David...'
Then, after Solomon offers a huge sacrifice to The Lord at Gibeon, God appears to him and ask him a question, which sounds very much like the question asked by Jesus in John:
1 Kings Chapter 5 - 'That night The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, ''What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!''
The passage in John Chapter 1 Verse 38 - 'Jesus looked around and saw them following. ''What do you want?'' He asked them.
So Solomon replies, and asks for wisdom:
'Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern Your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours.'
1 Kings 3 Verse 9 - New Living Translation
I love the way he refers to ''Your people'', and not his own people. Solomon understands already that he is only in the position he is because of the grace of God, and that all things come from Him.
The two pieces of wisdom Solomon asks for are to have an understanding heart, particularly to govern, and to know the difference between right and wrong.
This wisdom cannot be taught by human teaching in itself, and as such is not the same kind of wisdom akin to knowing what 2 + 2 is for example.
Solomon also acknowledges that no one can govern, and therefore do anything in of itself, without the assistance and power of The Lord.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the message given in Solomon's words and actions before You, so long ago. I pray that when seeking wisdom, we seek it from You alone, and not go after the world's wisdom, which is limited.
We ask for the wisdom that only You can bring, to discern right from wrong, good from evil and a heart to understand Your heart, which is to love and serve You and Your people.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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