2 Chronicles 1:11
God said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king..’
When I was studying Rilian’s homeschool curriculum last night, I found a very interesting note to parents: Don’t answer your child’s questions, help them find the answers. Such a wise thought! I remember in senior high when we were preparing for a standardized test, instead of having regular classes, all we did in class for weeks was to take sample tests. They showered us with tips on how to outsmart the items, like that process of elimination for multiple choices. It was actually helpful. So yes, the school achieved its goal of getting high pass percentage, meaning good community reputation. But I don’t think it equipped us with much for college life. I believe it would have been better if they trained us on how to study well, and not just pass a mark. It may have given us a good headstart, but still not a guarantee that we’ll make it very far. Oh well.
‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you’ was the Lord’s offer to Solomon. It was a chance of a lifetime. A genie experience every Disney child dreams of. But Solomon didn’t find it in some cave of wonders. He was in God’s Tent of Meeting when it found him. He was seeking God first when all these things were offered to him as well. So what would a young, new king ask from the Provider of all things? Given the vastness of his task and how numerous Israel was at this time, I would have easily blurted ‘happy ever after’ for everyone. That would have made him popular and comfortable, and the country satisfied. Then they all can enjoy their fairy tale life. But how commendable that Solomon asked God for nothing but wisdom. A light for the journey instead of some glittering destination. He sought not an escape route, nor an easier path, but to know the right ones. God was pleased that his heart was towards His face and not His hands. The same desire the chronicler wanted the remnants to take home given their dim present. A lottery win may look appealing, but the long walk would bring them farther.
In our Ladies Lifegroup last Wednesday, we came across these words from C.Samuel Storms: ‘Paul did not pray that they be spared suffering. Nor did he request that material wealth be added to their spiritual zeal. He said nothing about illness, or healing, or better jobs, or any of those things for which we pray and ask others to pray in our behalf. Such requests are not always inappropriate, but we see Paul considered spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment of greater value.’ Very true. How often were our prayers so limited to getting products instead of going through the process. We all wish for wealth and honor and long life, but do what with those? What will we gain if we have all things now and in abundance? How else will we grow in excellence, mature in character and pursue faith if we’re spoonfed? Our earthly desires may give us a good headstart, but wisdom will see us to the finish line - - and with flying colors! Choose wisely :>
No comments:
Post a Comment