November 19, 2024 1 Kings 3:3-15

November 19, 2024 1 Kings 3:3-15

³ Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. ⁴ And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” ⁶ And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. ⁷ 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?”

¹⁰ 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.”

¹⁵ And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

There is so much in this passage. King Solomon is grateful for all that God has done for him. I love this phrase:” I do not know how to go out or come in.” Solomon then tells God he has so many people to care for and he appears a little overwhelmed by the task he has been given. He then asks God for discernment of good and evil. God is pleased with this prayer and the requests of Solomon. Not only does God give Solomon wisdom but he also blesses Solomon with great riches and honor.

How do we approach God during our prayer time. Do we express our gratitude for all He has done for us?

Do we pray only for ourselves or do we remember to ask for wisdom to walk In God’s will?

I love how God answers the prayers of King Solomon’s and also richly blesses Solomon although Solomon did not ask for any of the blessings.

At our house we call it God’s time to show off!

Debbie Walker