RTW May 20
Just Ask For It
“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.” 1 Kings 3:9a
My Takeaways
Something Old
Understanding: to hear, listen, and obey.
Wisdom: the quality of state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with the right judgment as to action
Wise: have the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true and right; possessing discernment
Something New
Solomon demonstrated wisdom by asking for wisdom.
Something to Do
Ask for what I desire, then use it for God’s glory and His kingdom.
My Takeaways: The makings of an effective leader.
Something Old: Solomon ask for wisdom- he wanted understanding to carry out his job (1Kings 3:11). He showed great maturity in asking for this. Leading others carries with it grave and great responsibility. Only when leaders consider their people as God’s people will they cry out to God for His wisdom and help like Solomon did. God still grants wisdom to us today, we just need to ask for it, act on it and trust that it will be given.
Something New: 1Kings 2:46 Solomon’s actions caught me by surprised. He ordered the executions of Adonijah (he was planning to overthrow him), Joab and Abiathar (who had both sworn allegiance to Adonijah), and Shimei (who couldn’t be trusted). But after thinking the whole situation over it makes sense. This had to be done in order for Solomon to establish his rule. This is just what Kings have done throughout history. It was the will of God that put Solomon on the throne. He had to be surrounded with people he could trust, and put an end to the internal rebellion within the kingdom. I think it must have been somewhat intimidating for Solomon to follow his father, a man whom the Lord loved and blessed beyond measure and a ruler that the people cherish greatly. I think this must have been the reason Solomon asked for an understanding heart so that he could govern the people well. Effective leaders know and follow God’s Word. Solomon was this type of leader.
Something to Do: The Treasure of wisdom is found in the scriptures. Bible literacy accompanies wisdom from God. I must read scriptures, study scriptures, meditate on scriptures, and do scriptures, and God will grant me wisdom as he promised in James 1:5.