“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5)
At various times throughout the year, whether it be children or the parents, we hear the words “what would you like for …?” The question is asked in the form of a ‘wish list’ of sorts with the hope one or more wishes will appear.
I’ve tried to wrap my hands around this amazing and quite frankly, humbling exchange between the God of heaven and the new king of Israel, Solomon.
And every time I read the passage … a time for pause and personal reflection appears. I’ve wondered in my own mind what I would have asked for if offered this same opportunity.
Solomon’s response was very revealing as he referred to himself as “… Your servant …” three times as he clearly recognized his need for the help and guidance of the God of heaven to lead the nation of Israel … God’s chosen people.
Solomon’s request was not for more things, or more power, or even a long and prosperous life … his request was for the “wisdom that could only come from God Himself” to lead God’s people in the right way!
What Solomon was asking for showed the Lord that God’s interests were more important to Solomon than his own! This same disposition of the heart is exactly what He wants for each of us, “… to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Imagine realizing that your request pleased the Lord! Would it not be wonderful if every day we could resolve to be of the disposition of heart to ask God … for the wisdom and understanding heart to live our own lives “in the ways of the Lord.”
Would it not be wonderful if every day we could resolve to ask the Lord for the understanding and listening heart to influence the lives of our family and even extended family more fully in the “ways of the Lord?”
Would it not be wonderful if every day we asked for the understanding and listening heart to influence the world around us … to influence our spiritual family more fully “in ways of the Lord?”
Yes, God was pleased with King Solomon’s request, and He blessed him with even more than he had asked for (1 Kings 3:10-13).
The caveat … stipulated by God Himself … “So, if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will strengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:14)
Solomon asked God to give him “an understanding heart.” To recognize and use “the knowledge of God” provides the framework for each of us to live our lives to God’s glory!
It was the apostle Paul’s request on behalf of the Philippian brethren expressed in Philippians 1:9-11. He wanted them to gain the insight and ability to discern … to distinguish truth from error … right from wrong … and to recognize and pursue the spiritual over the temporary!
We must never fall for the deceptive ideas our adversary places before us to acquire some worldly, philosophical speculations regarding our value, worth, and purpose to live our lives by!
The wisdom, the understanding heart of 1 Kings 3 is the wisdom that is contained in the pure and peaceable absolutes of God’s will revealed in God’s Book (James 3:17).
The ultimate ‘wish’ is that when this life ends … and it will … we desire to hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”
So … what would be at the top of your list in answer to God’s question if He asked you … because every day we have the ability to choose our path!
“… if you will receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, And apply your heart to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding … then you will understand the fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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