24/10/2025
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?
1 Kings 3:9
Solomon has big shoes to fill. Just imagine having to live up to the reputation of someone like David, and being only the third person in your entire nation’s history to rule. The Lord has promised the line of David an everlasting covenant, and promises to grant Solomon whatever he requests. Solomon still sees himself as young and inexperienced. So he asks for wisdom to rule rightly and justly.
The Lord is so pleased with what Solomon chooses, that He gives him far more than he asks for. On top of wisdom that will exceed anyone who has ever lived or will ever live, the Lord will grant him wealth, honor and a long life. The only thing Solomon has to do, is live obediently and keep the commandments of God.
Solomon could have asked for money, vengeance or fame. But he knows that he has a huge responsibility as king. He wants to govern the people with justice and care, and that’s why he needs God to help him and guide him.
Whether or not you are in a position of power, every one of us bears a great responsibility. We, too, carry a legacy to live up to. We are children of the King of kings, light bearers and messengers of the gospel. When others hear of Jesus, they look to us and judge Him by the way we act, by what we say and by what we do. We are part of a new covenant, one that gives us the eternal privilege of belonging to the Lord, just like David and Solomon.
So asks the Lord for the wisdom to live in a way that honors Him, that draws others to Him. Show those you come into contact with His love, His mercy and His righteousness. Choose to do what’s right, even when that makes you the exception, not the rule. Trust in the Lord when He gives you a responsibility bigger than yourself, and He will accomplish His purpose in you.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me the status of Your heir and child. When I go out into the world, help me to be mindful of the fact that I get to represent You. Please give me a discerning heart that’s set on honoring You, so that others may come to know You. Amen.
