Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh of Egypt and he married one of his daughters. He had not yet built his palace or the Temple; but he brought his bride to the City of David to live. Now Solomon walked with the LORD just like his father David did and he followed all of the decrees that he was given.
The people of Israel offered sacrifices in local areas of worship, since the temple had not yet been built and King Solomon also sacrificed; he favored Gibeon as a place to make his sacrifices. One night, after he had sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings to the LORD, the LORD appeared to him in a dream and asked him, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon asked for an understanding heart so that he could lead Israel; he was humbled in his youth.
1 Kings 3:7-9 ESV And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. (8) And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. (9) Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
The LORD was very pleased with Solomon’s request. He didn’t ask for material riches, but rather asked for spiritual character; greater insights to be a loyal and faithful leader of the people. He didn’t even ask for long life or good health. Truly he asked for the greatest gift from the LORD and the LORD granted his request and so much more; promising him everything that he didn’t ask for.
1 Kings 3:10-14 ESV It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. (11) And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, (12) behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. (13) I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. (14) And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."
Today we live in a material world that would rival the time of Solomon. The average person has more material goods than anything that the average person could have imagined just 100 years ago. We live in a wealthy nation. Even the entire world has entered western capitalism and has prospered. The world is moving so fast and technology is advancing at a rate that it is like an out of control train.
One year ago, the Apple I-Pad was the hottest new personal information device. Within the past twelve months, many new Smart Phones and Information Devices have flooded the market place. Many are going into debt in order to keep up with technology’s, “newest and greatest.” Technology is like an addiction, people have to have their fix; this includes me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to focus on our calling and our relationship with you. We are so easily distracted with the cares of the world. Redirect our thoughts to you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment