2 Chronicles 1
Scripture:
6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.
9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.
10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,
12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
Observation:
This is an amazing turn of events which clearly reveals the desire of God’s heart and the appropriate desire of our hearts. First, I recognized the heart response of Solomon. His initial reaction was to offer a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord, to humble himself and to surrender to the Lord. Following this expression of worship and devotion, God asked this improbable question, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In this moment, when anything was on the table, Solomon asked for wisdom. Interestingly, Solomon asked for nothing more than the ability to fulfill the task in front of him. Recognizing his limitations, Solomon desired to have the ability to lead God’s people through God’s ability. Notice that he didn’t ask for any specific details to begin building his vision as new leader. He simply asked for wisdom. Wisdom to accomplish the task God’s way. This is when God blessed Solomon with much more than he had asked for.
The heart of Solomon, on display here, has one intention. Solomon’s heart was determined to put God first, as Lord. The heart of God, revealed in this story, is to take care of those whose hearts wholly submit and trust in Him. Please hear me, this is not a formula for wealth; it is, however, a formula for fulfilling the plan of God in our life. Complete and total surrender to the Lord will take us to the moment when Jesus says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Application:
- Personal Application: Spend some time alone with the Lord and express your commitment and devotion to Him. Surrender your heart and life to God’s purposes and plans.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage and ask your family what their answer would be if God would give them the opportunity to ask for anything. Have fun with the answers (especially if you have teenagers). Talk to them about the importance of surrendering to God’s will and how God will take care of those who wholly trust Him. Close in prayer with them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the wisdom to fulfill the tasks ahead of you and to fulfill His plan for your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will surrender their hearts to the Lordship of Christ and commit themselves to God’s purposes.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 23 to Sunday, August 30:
- Sunday, August 23: 1 Peter 3
- Monday, August 24: 1 Peter 4
- Tuesday, August 25: 1 Peter 5
- Wednesday, August 26: 2 Peter 1
- Thursday, August 27: 2 Peter 2
- Friday, August 28: 2 Peter 3
- Saturday, August 29: 2 Chronicles 1
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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