April 4, 2019
1 Kings 3:9-12                       
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?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.  So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 

New International Version (NIV)
                Did you ever watch the television series called The West Wing?  Though friends recommended it, I never actually watched it.  But I was sure then that it represented the intriguing story line of what happens in the halls of power as people jostle for position.  This story of political intrigue and machinations goes back to ancient times as well.

                As David drew near to death, his sons began to assert their authority.  By this time David had already lost three sons.    Now Adonijah set out to establish himself as King.  But David’s wife Bath Sheba and the Lord’s prophet Nathan devised a plan to establish Solomon as David had promised. 

                When Solomon became King, God came to him and offered him anything he wanted.  Solomon sought wisdom and God granted it to him.  His prayer expresses the humility which befits anyone who leads others.  The people, the resources, the Kingdom, the power and the glory all belong to God.  If he allows us to lead others, we do well to bathe ourselves in genuine humility.  If we humble ourselves as Solomon did, God will lift us up.  But if we lift ourselves up and vaunt our own skills and gifts, we will be humbled.  
Pray with me:    
Father, as best we know how, we humble ourselves before you.  Honestly, we have every reason for humility.  All that we have comes from your gracious hand.  You can take it away at any time, if you choose.  So help us to steward the sacrament of this present moment.  Teach us to trust you Lord, because you are faithful.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.  
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 

About Duane Archives
Subscribe to our email list.