“O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honour, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honour, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:9-12)
David lived and David died. At his death, the people recognised that a great king had passed. His name would be established among the people for generations to come as the standard by which all other kings would be measured. The reign is so significant that God Himself would see how each king was like in comparison to David. That’s as high a compliment as anyone could receive.
It’s no surprise, then, that on taking over from his father, Solomon would be aware of the task ahead of him. This encounter with God says so much about that realisation. It says a lot about Solomon that when allowed to ask for anything from God, the request is for wisdom and knowledge. He asks God for wisdom and knowledge. He goes to the source to get the right resources to excel in the position he’s given.
Solomon’s request should be the same for everyone at every level of life, whatever their responsibility. As long as they have a responsibility, they cannot afford to assume that they’ve got it all by themselves. We’ve got to appreciate that we can make the most of the responsibility when we exercise the wisdom and knowledge that God provides when we ask Him. We appreciate that, particularly as we acknowledge that we are in a position that God has put us in. We have not reached here by our own power and initiative; we are called and designated to a position with a task to complete. Since that assignment comes from God, it makes sense that we’ll need God to complete it. Especially seeing as though He’s keen to share with us what we need to do to complete the task.
Knowledge provides us with the tools for how we comprehend the task at hand, step by step. Wisdom gives us the keen awareness of applying that knowledge and understanding at the right time in the right way. As God has this to hand, once we ask Him for these factors and trust Him, we see that work in us and through us, one decision at a time. Some are spontaneous, while others are planned out in advance. Some seemingly come from nowhere, while others come from great counsel from various sources. Whatever the situation, trust in God allows us to see how He guides and directs.
Effective life following Jesus Christ in every aspect is based on applying the Wisdom factor.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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