1 Reis 3

1 Reis 3

Morgan - This was the answer of God to the request of Solomon, when appearing to him at Gibeon He commanded him to ask a gift. Only be it observed, that the context shows that God gave more than he asked. This appearing of God to the new king was all of grace. The first paragraph of the chapter reveals at once the strength and weakness of Solomon. He was strong in that he loved Jehovah, and walked in the statutes of his father David. The weak side of his nature was manifested in his affinity with Pharaoh and marriage with his daughter. Politically it seemed an astute move, but it was unutterably foolish. The perils of mixed motives and a divided heart are very grave. This appearing of God gave him a great opportunity, and his choice again was due to the triumph of the highest side of his character. Realizing his personal disability for the great work devolving upon him, he asked for an understanding heart. God's answer was full of gracious kindness. He gave him what he asked, and superadded the things he might have chosen, yet showed his wisdom in passing by. Long life, wealth, and victory are good things when they come as the direct gifts of God. Should a man from selfish motives choose them rather than ability to fulfil the Divine purpose, they would prove curses rather than blessings. In the case of Solomon, so long as he sought the highest, these lower things were means of blessing to his people. How Much Water Can a Light Bulb Hold? Thomas Edison had a unique way of hiring engineers. He'd give the applicant a light bulb and ask, "How much water will it hold?" There were two ways to find the answer. The first choice was to use gauges to measure all the angels of the bulb. Then with the instruments in hand, the engineer could calculate the surface area. This approach could take as long as twenty minutes. The second choice was to fill the bulb with water, then pour the contents into a measuring cup. Total elapsed time: about one minute. Engineers who took the first route, and performed their measurements by book, were politely thanked for their time and sent on their way. Those who took the second route would be hired. FINISHING WELL - Joseph Stowell - see Strength for the Journey: Day By Day With Jesus - Page 237 (Or borrow book - if it is "unavailable" put in a month for example -- I put in August because this devotional is on August 12. You could use that little workaround for other months.) “I WILL GIVE YOU A WISE AND DISCERNING HEART, SO THAT THERE WILL NEVER HAVE BEEN ANYONE LIKE YOU, NOR WILL THERE EVER BE.”—1 Kings 3:12 When Solomon took his father’s throne, he asked God for one thing— wisdom. He needed wisdom to rule the nation of Israel. Wisdom to distinguish right from wrong and guide his people in the ways of the Lord. God was pleased with Solomon’s request. “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, 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’” (1 Kings 3:11–12). Solomon did not ask for temporal things like money, influence, or respect. Instead, he asked for God’s guidance, knowing that he could not be an effective king without God at his side. God granted Solomon’s request and added to it what he had not asked for: riches and honor. And, if he walked according to the ways of God, he would be given a long life. First Kings records the early days of his reign. Solomon was devoted to God, eager to follow in the footsteps of his father, and ambitious in his plans to build a magnificent temple to honor God. But further into his reign, Solomon’s life slowly began to shift. His love for, and marriage to, women from foreign countries eventually led to his falling from the ways of God. He became distracted and disoriented, his priorities askew. He gave in to idolatry and led his nation away from God. Solomon’s life is an example and a reminder to each of us that starting well is only the beginning. Keeping our priorities straight, aiming for goals that will ultimately satisfy our Lord, and seeking first God and His kingdom are all high-maintenance objectives for those of us who wish to finish well. Drift is inevitable unless we monitor our hearts daily staying close to Jesus and obedient to His voice. Mark the drift in your life. (Jer 17:9) 1 Kings 3:13 "I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. I: Ps 84:11,12 Mt 6:33 Ro 8:32 1Co 3:22,23 Eph 3:20 riches: 1Ki 4:21-24 10:23-29 Pr 3:16 Related Passages: Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL THAT SOLOMON ASK I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days - Solomon's request and God's response reminds me of Jesus' command to disciples in Mt 6:33+ "but seek (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (cf RICHES AND HONOR TO SOLOMON)." F B