1 Kings 1-3

King David is getting "very old" in 1 Kings 1-3, and Israel transitions to new leadership under King Solomon.  There's some family drama involved; but as always, God takes care of the details in working out His will.  God's people have enjoyed 40 years of David's strong and faithful reign, and now the King has hit retirement age.  He's sitting pretty in the palace with his own young lady to wait on him hand and foot and keep him warm.

Solomon is one of David's sons from his marriage with Bathsheba.  Talk about God's mercy and redeeming grace!  Wow!  Even though at times it probably didn't feel like it, God has worked one of David's biggest mess-ups for His good and glory.

And so now, we meet King Solomon.  I can't help but notice the irony in the situation.  Solomon, a product of David's bad judgement, is blessed by God as the wisest ruler of all time.

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 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, 12 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. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

1 Kings 3:10-14

Think about that with me.

What do you think that tells us about our perfect and loving God?  

I think God really appreciates Solomon's humility and his deep desire to do justice in God's kingdom.  Solomon's not worried about the money in his new job but about his own ability to make good decisions.

So what does Solomon do?  He gives his concern to God.

7 “Now, 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. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.

1 Kings 3:7-8

Like in Solomon's case, God loves and appreciates when we give Him our concerns.  Although our culture teaches us to be "independent thinkers," God wants us to dependent on Him for everything.  With God our Father, dependence means strength and knowledge beyond human measure.  Acknowledging our weaknesses is crucial to receiving God's empowering strength in our lives.

Jesus reminds us,

3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

What thoughts and concerns are on your heart today?  Give them to God, and He will bless you for it!

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your endless counsel and strength that I have through Your Holy Spirit that dwells in me.  Forgive me for the ways I fail to humble myself before You in all that I do.  

I want Your way to be my way.  Today, I have __________________ on my heart and mind.  Guide me and teach me what You need me to do for You.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,

Amen

Praising God today and always,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.