If God came to you and said, “Ask Him for whatever you want.” What would you ask Him?— 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12, James 1:5
Would you ask for wealth, power, or a long life?
This opportunity came to Solomon.
1 Kings 3:5 (NIV84)
“At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Look at Solomon’s response:
1 Kings 3:7–9 (NIV84):
“Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” “Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.” “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?”
Wow! He was humbled by the calling God had on his life to be king, and He wanted wisdom to administer justice and to lead.
Look at God’s response:
1 Kings 3:10–12 (NIV84)
“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.'”
Wow! God was pleased to give Solomon wisdom and more, honour and wealth.
Are we focused on what we can get from God? I am not sure God is pleased with these requests.
Are we focused on doing well the things God has called us to? And having the wisdom to discern how best to take care of these responsibilities. (Our: work, marriage, children, ministry, neighbours, etc.)
God does not change. He delights in those who seek to do what He has called them to and desire to do it well—those who realize they need Him to discern how.
I am reminded of:
James 1:5 (NIV84)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Father, may I be humbled by the opportunities you have given me to serve you, and may my heart, above all else, be to serve you and those around me well.
Please, Lord, give us wisdom.
