We read scripture from 1 Kings and took a good look at King Solomon...the good and the bad. We saw in the early verses that Solomon recognized and appreciated the relationship that his father, David, had with God. I guess that we could say that he was raised in a Godly home and because of that, he gave God credit for his rise to the King seat over Israel. He knew of God's faithfulness and goodness.
In 1 Kings 3 we read that God asked Solomon what he wanted from God and the Solomon responded in Verse 9: Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people. Verse 10 - 13 is an amazing glimpse of God and how he responds to His children. (10) It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. (11) 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) I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. (13) I give you also what you did not ask for, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you.
Verses 16- 27 relate a story where Solomon used the wisdom God had granted in resolving a conflict between two mothers and then we see in Verse 28: All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice. God's blessing set Solomon apart, a place of honor, but also glorified God. God's glory will rest on us when we are pursuing those things that will bring him glory.
We know that Solomon became probably the wealthiest man to ever live and we also know that he fell into a life of sin worshiping many gods and idols and seeking his own pleasures instead of God. But we also see where God kept His promise to Solomon....wisdom, wealth, and honor were his until he died. We even see where the honor God blessed him with lives on today with three books in the Bible written by Solomon....Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Solomon's humanity did not negate God's righteousness and sovereignty. God's plan and His will was and is accomplished by those who desire to please Him. Solomon's righteous prayer pleased God and God's response is a blessing for all of us today.
Discover and Proclaim the Truth of The Bible which is: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." (John 3:16 NRSV). Jesus came to humanity to proclaim and give evidence to that love and He has commanded us to do the same. We, who believe, must not merely be followers, but we must be proclaimers of the Gospel Message and we can only do that by being filled with the love of God.
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