10 JULY

THE SECRETS REVEALED (4)

“And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.” (1 Kings 3:28, NKJV)

True wisdom and discernment come from God. Remember King Solomon? He asked God for wisdom to govern God’s people, not to satisfy his pride and make him famous, even though he became famous as a result!  Solomon prayed, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil…” (1 Kings 3:9, NKJV). Solomon’s gift of wisdom was first tested by the case of two particular women at that time. Both women had lived together and had given birth at about the same time. Unfortunately, one of the babies died because the mother lay on him. The mother of the dead baby then exchanged him for the living baby belonging to the other woman.

In the morning both women fought over the living baby. Then the case was brought to King Solomon to judge. “Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.” (1 Kings 3:24-25, NKJV). Of course, both women realised that the king’s decision meant killing the child. However, in the wickedness of heart of the woman whose child was already dead, she gladly accepted the verdict; but the mother of the living child would rather have her son alive, even if it meant losing him. She interrupted the king to request that the child should instead be given to the other woman. The king immediately knew who the real mother was!

How did Solomon think of this as a solution? He was able to discern good and evil. The wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. His motive for asking for wisdom was to fulfil his God–given assignment as king. Thus, God gave him wisdom and, in addition, riches and honour.                                                                                              ACTION: Learn to approach God in faith, asking Him for wisdom to fulfil His purpose, not yours.

PRAYER: Lord, according to your promise in James 1:5, I ask today that you fill me with wisdom to know and do your will at all times