1 Kings 3:3-10 Solomon’s Prayer Sun 11/13/16
3 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
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David chose Solomon among his sons to succeed him. God also approved David’s decision. Why Solomon? Why did Solomon gain the favor of both David and God to become a king of Israel? Solomon had love for God and followed his father’s instruction toward God. Solomon loved to offer burnt offerings for his sins and to be close to God as His proper, chosen servant. Solomon’s attitude of humility, like that of a little child, before God pleased God. He also asked God for a discerning heart to know what is just, in order to govern the people of God. God’s given duty to serve His people was a very serious calling.
God loved him when Solomon was born, and He sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah, “loved by the Lord,” right after David named him Solomon, “peaceful life” (2 Sam 12:24-25). David chose this name because he didn’t want his son to have a life like his, with many wars and many enemies.
Jesus confirmed Peter’s love for Him, and He commanded him to take care of Jesus’ sheep, as he lay down his own life with Jesus’ agape love (John 21).
I hope Mr. Trump, the new president, also has God’s wisdom, love and peace for the people, like Solomon had as “the King of Wisdom of God.” Then he will be blessed with life, longevity, and the wealth of God’s exceeding blessings. I also hope that we all pray for our new president and the people in America with Solomon’s prayer today. Amen.