PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Kings 3-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream.” (1 Kings 3:5)
Gibeon was an important ‘high place’, where God did NOT want His people to go.
High places were unregulated sacred spaces where unholy worship occurred.
These high places were one of the ways Solomon did not obey God (1 Kings 3:3).
Yet God asks him there, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5)
I know I repeat this often, but these stories reveal God’s grace, not human goodness.
Do not read the bible stories for morality lessons on how to live.
‘Be like David, have multiple wives, find a young virgin to keep you warm at night.’
‘Be like Solomon, marry for political gain, get revenge on your dad’s enemies’
The hero in these stories is God, not David or Solomon or any other human.
God knows the weakness and failure in our lives, yet He still works with us.
God meets us in the places we should not be, and offers us hope.
We see human nature at its best and worst in the bible, just like we do in ourselves.
But through it all, we see God’s nature at its best, especially in Jesus.
As a Jesus follower, I am NOT an example of how to live… look to Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, these stories are a humbling reminder of how mixed up my own life is. Thank you for meeting me where I am, to help me be where you want me to be!
“But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.”
Lord help us approach our faith and relationships with humility, knowing that I don’t have all the answers and knowledge won’t bless the work of my hands, you will. Help me be better at remembering that I am only a little child in understanding and your servant, no matter the responsibility you give me.
” I will give you a wise and discerning heart” – the Lord carried out His promise to Solomon – that is evident. I too desire what Solomon desired. The source is not myself – it is the Lord. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to have the gift of your Spirit – I am blessed because of your grace to me! I want to grow more and more faithful and trusting in you!
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding. Solomon did not ask the Lord for wealth but God’s help to govern the people. He walked and talked with Him. God was with Solomon. He was led by His Spirit.. And I too need to be lead by His Spirit each day. I am not my own but belong to Him. Lead me and guide me this day Lord to do Your will.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.