Solomon followed his father's directives except he sacrificed to God at the high places of Gibeon rather than Jerusalem. God appeared to him there, but it did not mean He approved of Solomon's disobedience.
God asked him, "What shall I give you?" Solomon's response shows his:
1) Humility
2) Foresight
3) Desire
His brothers' attitudes were in direct contrast:
1) Amnon - loved his half sister and raped her.
2) Absalom - killed Amnon and tried to usurp the throne.
3) Adonijah - also tried to take the throne.
Solomon's motivation for the request for discernment and understanding shows his desire to rule the people well.
The only story we have about Solomon's great wisdom is the two women (harlots) fighting over a baby boy. He calls for a sword and declares the child should be cut in two and half given to each woman. The true mother gives up her right to raise the infant to preserve his life. Solomon declares she is the mother.
Today, we'd have a DNA test ordered, go through all sorts of legal proceedings, and put the baby in foster care. It would probably take months or even years before the situation was resolved. Solomon got the job done immediately.
In life, it does not matter how hard or how long you work. Is the stuff you're getting done going to count? God's wisdom will show us how to get done better and quicker.
To hear the entire message, please visit our website, and click on the Listen tab. You can listen online, download the message to your MP3 player, or podcast FREE.
If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to Zoe Christian Fellowship's Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. The church phone is (215) 343-7686. You can also get information on our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment