Prayer Journal
Sunday, October 1, 2000
King Solomon makes for an interesting character study. He could well occupy both the top and the bottom slot on the integrity chart for kings of Israel. In addition, we are told that God blessed him with incredible wealth and 40 years of peace under his reign. He inherited his father's blessing and was enabled to construct a glorious Temple on mount Zion.
Early on, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he desired. Solomon expressed humility for the privilege to serve and simply asked God for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. He felt that special grace from God was the only way he could do what was expected of him. We know that God rewarded Solomon with much more than he asked.
Scripture tells us that Solomon demonstrated great wisdom as he ruled the nation. Curiously as the years progressed, we understand that Solomon became fat, lazy and a womanizer. Still, we remember Solomon for his wisdom and discernment and prosperous reign over Israel.
How interesting that discernment played an pivotal role in this "success" story. Today, people chase every prize under the sun before they seek a discerning spirit. One can only wonder if, looking back at their life, they would make the same choices again.
One thing is certain, God's word says that wisdom and discernment are indispensable resources to the Christian. Paul, in encouraging the Phillippian church, thought so too. Listen to his prayer:
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:9,10
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
