1st kings 3:1-15 LEARNING TO LEAD It is possible, if one is so inclined, to learn a lot from those who are older than we are. They are of a different generation and times do change but life-principles that follow the word of God do not change. It is a wise young person who takes time to listen to parents and grandparents or other trusted older people, and ask questions as to how they lived and served the Lord.
Solomon was around twenty years old when he became king of Israel. His older brothers had families and some experience in life but low morals and few personal convictions. To be willing to do what we think is right is not always right. As a young man, Solomon made a terrible mistake in marrying Pharaoh's daughter. He may have thought it was a good political move but he never asked for counsel from God. To secure his southern border was one thing, but to bring an Egyptian princess to live in the city of David was quite another. God's standards are for our good. A person may be very nice and it may seem harmless to go to the extent of marrying an unbeliever, but when one third of our life that is spiritual is missing in our spouse, we will soon find that missing part is most essential.
The high place where idol worship had taken place in the past, were not the places of the Lord's choosing. The tabernacle had been set up on a high place at Gibeon but that was not where the Lord wanted sacrifices to be made. However, the people brought there sacrifices there and so did Solomon. To do a right thing in the wrong place does not make it right. It is never God's will we initiate our own way and place of worship.
Solomon did not meet the requirements of the law concerning legal worship. Perhaps being at the tabernacle at Gibeon motivated him to want to build the temple so the ark that was at Jerusalem and the other pieces of the tabernacle could be brought together. God may meet us and awaken us when we are in a place where we should not be. How gracious of God to speak to Solomon there with kindness and personal interest. There are times where we may do that which is wrong because we don't know any better. Then when God in mercy shows us what is right and what is His will and way, we must stop what was wrong and commit ourselves to do what He says.
God was willing to come to Solomon in a dream after he had done wrong in the offering of sacrifices in his own way. There right way was that the priests were the one's to offer the sacrifices. Doing things in our own way opens up the way for false teaching that leads people astray. Solomon's prayer to God was honored by God, but not the sacrifices. God did not even mention them to him.
Solomon understood the reason for David's success was because of God faithfulness to him, and David's true fellowship and fear of God. He knew David's position was an act of kindness on God's part and because of God's mercy. Now he wanted that for himself. He also knew his limitations at age twenty. He knew his need of God with him. He knew he was lacking in experience and discernment. His request was not that he sit back and let God work for him, but that God would work through him by giving him the needed wisdom and courage to lead the people of God. That is still a basic need in effective leadership.
Wise decision making is essential for those who God calls to His service. Submission to divine guidance is not acquiescence to circumstances or pressures put on us. It is moving forward in faith and confidence that "this is the way, walk ye in it."
In the lives of all of God's people, God and His kingdom come first. Eternal things are more important than temporal things. People are more important than things. Treasures in heaven are more important than material wealth. We are to live by divine principles rather than the guidelines of worldly men.
When God is first in our lives and has first place in all we do, then we will find our satisfaction the greatest. The Lord appreciated Solomon's request for discernment and an understanding heart so he would know how to do what was right and avoid that which is wrong. If God graciously gives us certain abilities and gifts, then it is our responsibility to use them in ways that will glorify Him.
It is possible to have wisdom, but lack the strength of character to act upon that wisdom. Our obligation is like that of Solomon. Walk in God's way; keep God's commands and be diligent in the service He has called upon us to do. The next time Solomon offered sacrifices of burnt offerings and peace offerings, it was in Jerusalem in front of the ark of God. It was there the presence of the Lord was situated until the temple was built there.
Even if we have done something wrong in our Christian life, let us face that wrong, repent of it and commit ourselves to that which we know is right. Humility, contrition and change opens up doors of service for the Lord as we act in faith in Him. He gives the needed wisdom, understanding and courage to act appropriately.
1Kings 3:1. “And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.” A BUILDER. Is there a need for this building – can you precisely define it? You need a place to live – just how will you design it? For your own pleasure and comfort alone, or are there other reasons You need such an edifice, more than comfort in cold seasons?
Build with a view to your calling of God Make your house useful in the work of the Lord You will find great satisfaction when there is room for others And your house is open to your sisters and brothers.
How do I go about building the house of the Lord? Is there a blueprint to follow when building without stone or boards? What is the material I can gather and ultimately use; So the house of the Lord is what God Himself did choose?
The materials are flesh and blood – living stones to add To each other as upon the doctrine of the apostles we build Christ is the Chief Corner Stone just as in the great Body People are added locally to the on-going testimony.
“What are we to protect by building a wall? Shouldn’t there be room for anyone at all? Why put a barrier, we are all the family of man? And if we let every one in, what could be the harm?”
Separation from sin is an obvious choice In God’s things immorality is not to be given a voice To compromise righteousness is to be just like the world To give place to the devil keeps the banner of truth furled.
Builders need to follow the plan of the Designer In personal life-building or when for God we go further His House and the wall that will guard truth like a city Is based on fundamental truth, not sentiment or pity.
“Help me O God, to be a wise builder: here in my home and in personal life; in the assembly and in public life and in the whole world at large where I am called to labor – give me holy discernment. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
1Kings 3:3. “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.” “LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.” The father learned first-hand in the field The son learned second-hand in the palace The father learned from caring for his father’s sheep The son learned from his father what was important to keep.
The father went to war to bring to the nation peace The son had learned from his father his obligations to meet The father loved the Lord with all of his heart The son learned God’s authority right from the start.
The father had a problem with the opposite sex The son saw the model, his generation was next To fall under the spell of thinking power gives right To do what they wanted under cover of night.
The father was a good ruler who generally lived a good life The son went farther but didn’t give the same light
The father, for the most part, did things in God’s way The son went gradually farther and farther away.
The son started out walking in God’s ways like his father before him But he added to what God wanted and gradually succumbed to them Who were strangers to grace and to God, without spiritual light And the son, though wise, departed from what he was taught as right.
I learned from my father before me, lessons that work in life “Don’t get what you can’t pay for; always do best for your wife Don’t be hard nor easy, moderation is a good characteristic to have Avoid extremes either way and people will hear what you say.”
“Work hard to provide necessities; give the Lord His portion from you; Be kind to the poor and helpless; give reverence when reverence is due. Pray a lot; read the Bible and learn that those who honor God He will honor; Keep a little money for when needs arise; put your treasure up yonder.”
“I thank Thee, Father God, for good examples of practical living who taught me. By Thy grace and wisdom, help me to teach others who follow behind me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
1Kings 3:5. “In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what I shall give thee.” ASK WHAT I SHALL GIVE. If God should ask of me some day, “What do you want the most?” I hope I would have the grace to say, “Not something in which to boast.” But I would like to be like my Lord And be able to know Him better – Also, to be an able minister of His Word Teaching the spirit of it, not just the letter.
I would like to be able to explain to others The clear message of the Gospel I’d pray the truths God has let me gather Would help His people to prosper If it were possible, I’d like to be A soul-winner to the end of my days For I would know throughout eternity Many were led to Christ, the Way.
More often lately I’ve been caused to consider The way one’s life will ultimately end I really would like if my heavenly Father Some special grace to me would send That I might be able to honor Him Before friends and family That in some way I might challenge them By testifying of His grace to me.
“I thank Thee, heavenly Father, for giving me all these years of life that have been so good and meaningful to me. I am wondering if in some way it can be passed on. If there is some way this can be done, I believe I am ready. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”