1 Kings Chapter 3

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?””
I Kings 3:5 NKJV

If God were to appear before us to grant us one wish like in Solomon’s case, what would we ask for? Perhaps we would ask God to give us some time to think about it before replying. Are the desires of this age so many that we desire all sorts of things and are unable to focus on the most valuable thing in life?

We know that Solomon asked God for wisdom without hesitation as though he knew clearly what he wanted for a long time. Solomon wanted to rule with wisdom.

“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.”
I Kings 3:10 NKJV

Thus God fulfilled his request and made him the wisest man on earth.

“behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.”
I Kings 3:12 NKJV

Solomon asked according to God’s will and hence God gave to him gladly (Jas 1:5). In this chapter, based on his interactions and sacrifice to God we can see He feared God in comparison to his brothers, and this fear of God brought forth wisdom. This wisdom led to him making the right request for more wisdom (Prov 9:10).

Why is it that sometimes our prayers are not answered by God? Elder James tells us that this is because we ask amiss (Jas 4: 3). Either we pray for things that do not benefit our spiritual lives or we will desire to use what we ask for our own pleasures.

“God please give me wealth that I may offer to you..”
“God please give me talents that I may serve you…”
“God please give me success that I may glorify your name in society…”

These all have a semblance of spirituality but is this really the case? On the other hand, Solomon asked for wisdom to manage the inheritance of God sensibly and with vigilance (Deut 32:9). Even though we are not tasked with the heavy responsibility of governing a country like Solomon, we likewise need the wisdom from God to be good Christians. What do we desire?

The Lord Jesus tells us,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NKJV

The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness pertains to our salvation. God’s kingdom and righteousness is eternal.Our requests should be like the following,

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10)

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end” (Ps 119:33)

“Lord please fill me with the Holy Spirit” (Eph 5:18)

May God give us wisdom to discern what is precious that we may pursue it. Just as God told Solomon that he would give him riches and honor though he did not ask for it (1 Kgs 3:13), God will likewise tell us that He will add to us all that we need.

•