Broken Kingdoms: WK2 - TUE
Kingdoms of Wisdom - 1 Kngs 3:5-15
… the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.
“Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 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?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
Historians believe Solomon was between 15 and 20 years old when he suddenly inherited the throne. His father, David, had been a long shot to become king. Fueled by his underdog battle with Goliath, this outdoorsman spent many challenging years oscillating between fame and infamy as a fugitive on the run from the government he would eventually lead.
Solomon’s journey to the throne was much easier, less eventful, and unchallenged. Surrounded by luxury and privilege, this teenager hadn’t experienced struggle, hardship, or contempt. From the start, the prince was honored. He could have easily become arrogant and unteachable, but instead, when given a blank check to ask for anything from God, he requested a heart of discernment.
The third king of Israel’s reign begins with surprising humility for such a young man in this position. Finding wisdom always starts with recognizing you don’t have it yet. God asks, “What do you want?” Solomon responds, “I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.” How refreshing.
I vividly remember the early days of my pastoral ministry when I was trying to build credibility. I felt pressure to always have the answers, hide any doubts, and “fake it until I make it.” This attitude can silence helpful questions and block others' insights with bluster and hot air. Recognizing the need for meaningful input is essential for good leadership. Sadly, this realization sometimes comes after many years of solitary thinking and missed opportunities. It is impressive that Solomon thought to ask for insight and vision at such an early stage.
It might seem tempting to think that Solomon’s request is a waste of a wish. But, like many genie-in-a-bottle jokes, in this one wish, he gains access to the fulfillment of almost unlimited future wishes. Solomon’s story reminds us of Matthew 6:33, where Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
… the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.
“Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 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?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
Historians believe Solomon was between 15 and 20 years old when he suddenly inherited the throne. His father, David, had been a long shot to become king. Fueled by his underdog battle with Goliath, this outdoorsman spent many challenging years oscillating between fame and infamy as a fugitive on the run from the government he would eventually lead.
Solomon’s journey to the throne was much easier, less eventful, and unchallenged. Surrounded by luxury and privilege, this teenager hadn’t experienced struggle, hardship, or contempt. From the start, the prince was honored. He could have easily become arrogant and unteachable, but instead, when given a blank check to ask for anything from God, he requested a heart of discernment.
The third king of Israel’s reign begins with surprising humility for such a young man in this position. Finding wisdom always starts with recognizing you don’t have it yet. God asks, “What do you want?” Solomon responds, “I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.” How refreshing.
I vividly remember the early days of my pastoral ministry when I was trying to build credibility. I felt pressure to always have the answers, hide any doubts, and “fake it until I make it.” This attitude can silence helpful questions and block others' insights with bluster and hot air. Recognizing the need for meaningful input is essential for good leadership. Sadly, this realization sometimes comes after many years of solitary thinking and missed opportunities. It is impressive that Solomon thought to ask for insight and vision at such an early stage.
It might seem tempting to think that Solomon’s request is a waste of a wish. But, like many genie-in-a-bottle jokes, in this one wish, he gains access to the fulfillment of almost unlimited future wishes. Solomon’s story reminds us of Matthew 6:33, where Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Would you prefer to be wealthy or famous in a way that leaves a legacy for future generations? Why?
- Who has contributed uncommon wisdom to your life? Share an example.
- If you heard Jesus’ voice say, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you,” today, how would you respond?
Lovewell,
Pastor Dave Ferguson
Download PDF Versions of our Series Guides
Daily Study Podcast
CRSWLK Kids Daily Devotional
The Abide Daily Podcast
Thank You for Supporting the Ministry of Crosswalk
Posted in Broken Kingdoms
No Comments