Daily Devotional for Wednesday, February 26

Solomon’s Answer

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” 1 Kings 3:9.

It was Solomon’s turn. He had served faithfully, observing and preparing all his young life for this time. His father, David, had instructed him to walk with God and serve Him with his whole heart and mind (1 Chronicles 28:9). David was Israel’s beloved king, but now he was dying. Was Solomon up to this enormous responsibility? Even with a life of preparation, could a young man with little experience lead such a great nation?

            When God asked Solomon what gift he desired, Solomon’s reverence and humility toward God were evident in his response. Solomon praised God for the great mercy and kindness He had shown his father. He thanked God for keeping His promise to raise David’s son to sit on his throne. He also recognized his own limitations. Solomon could have asked God for anything, but he realized he was completely incapable of fulfilling God’s will for his life apart from the wisdom that only God could give. James described what godly wisdom looks like in James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Solomon’s desire was to serve God and rule His people well.

            There are basically two ways one may approach great responsibility—either with pride and arrogance or with humility and reverential fear. When God chooses us for a particular ministry, do we approach it with self-reliance or God reliance? Our answer, like Solomon’s, will reveal our heart for God and others. 

THOUGHT

Approach any task with humility and reverence for God, knowing you can do nothing of yourself. Seek the wisdom only God can supply.

Karen Meigs