If you were walking down the beach, and you happened to stumble upon a genie in a bottle, and you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for today?
If you were leaving a Sunday evening worship service, and the Almighty God met you in the parking lot, and he promised to grant you anything your heart desires, for what would you ask?
Solomon had such an opportunity?
In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel. (1 Chronicles 1:7-13)
God met Solomon and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” Instead of focusing on himself and requesting temporal and earthly toys, he asked for divine wisdom so he might glorify the Lord and serve well his people. With this request, God was well pleased. He delighted in the fact that Solomon wanted to “think God’s thoughts after him.” Therefore God gave Solomon a verbal commendation along with a full supply of this world’s toys.
So what about you? If God granted you this privilege, what would you request from his omnipotent hand? Would you covet worship? Are you sure?
God has granted you this wish. In the book of James, he promises that if you ask for wisdom, he will give it to you liberally, (James 1:5) Have you prayed for divine wisdom today?
God has granted you his book. In the Scriptures are found that information which provides knowledge and wisdom. The Bible is the fountainhead of intellect. Are you like one who prays for daily bread and then neglects the refrigerator or food pantry? Have you prayed for wisdom and then neglected the Word of God which makes one wise?
God has granted us his church. Different individuals have different gifts from the Holy Spirit, and some are placed on this earth to help facilitate wisdom in your life. Did you take advantage of the sermons and Sunday school lessons on the Lord’s Day? (1 Cor. 12:8) In addition, Paul commanded his friends at Colossi, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (1 Cor. 12:8) Wisdom is found in the multitude of counselors, and in the brotherhood of Christ. Were you found in the house of God yesterday?
Therefore, if you claim you desire wisdom, and yet forsake prayer, the Word, and the local assembly of the saints, you are making an empty proclamation.
Friends, God was pleased with the request of Solomon. He is equally pleased when you and I pursue wisdom above all earthly things. Therefore, pursue money, pursue education, pursue love, pursue health, pursue pleasure, pursue beauty, and pursue long life. But above all, pursue wisdom. (Prov. 4:7)
- Pray
- Meditate in and on the Scripture
- Listen to a sermon on the world wide web
- Read a book written by a wise Christian author
- Attend church regularly
In doing so, you too will put a smile on God’s face, and he just might give you an abundant share of this world’s toys as well. Wisdom and worldly wealth often, but not always, go hand-in-hand.
Unfathomable Grace 