April 4, 2026 - 1 Kings 3-4

“Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter.  He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the LORD, and the wall around Jerusalem. The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places” (3:1-2).  Solomon fell into the trap so many leaders succumb to, i.e., trusting in treaties and alliances rather than God and, especially, this was a problem for Israel, a nation tied to God by covenant.  And who can forget the continued pagan sacrifices, both by Solomon and his many concubines – “Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places” (3:3).  So imperfect was Solomon!  But he did this!  He asked God, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (3:9)  We are so much like Solomon, aren’t we?  Doing what is right and doing what is wrong.  Inconsistent in our love toward God and in our obedience.  But he asked for wisdom, and it was granted.  James encourages us to ask for wisdom:  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (1:5).  It’s not unusual for us to be faced with situations in which we simply do not know which way to turn or what to do.  Well, let’s do what Solomon did and what James encourages.  And, though we will continue to struggle with being what we should be and doing what we should do, we need wisdom.  God delights to give that to us when we ask.  Let’s always ask!

Behold the throne of grace!

The promise calls me near:

there Jesus shows a smiling face,

and waits to answer prayer.

That rich atoning blood,

which sprinkled round we see,

provides for those who come to God

an all prevailing plea.

My soul, ask what thou wilt;

thou canst not be too bold;

since his own blood for thee he spilt,

what else can he withhold?

Teach me to live by faith;

conform my will to thine;

let me victorious be in death,

and then in glory shine.   --John Newton (1779)