MAKING A CHOICE

Monday, 8th August 2016

2 Chronicles 1:1-17 (NKJV)

Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly.

2 And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses.

3 Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.

4 But David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

5 Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there.

6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place.

9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—

12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”

Solomon inherited great wealth, glory and riches from his father David. Why he made the choice he made may startle many. Why did he not ask for more wealth? etc. His response surprised God too. He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people. What a choice! Some would ask, “Will I ‘chop’ wisdom and knowledge?” God’s response was tremendous and fascinating. He said “— I will give you riches, and wealth and honour …’’ beyond other kings before and after him.

Solomon’s choice and God’s response should caution us against this insatiable craving for the mundane things of this life. There is the “grab it” philosophy pervading the world. Even the religious leaders are deeply rooted in it. Solomon understood the words of Jesus in Luke 12:15, that “… one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses”. God’s response informs us that if we seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness all our needs would be met – Matthew 6:33″.

Thought: Do you crave for God’s glory, His righteousness and Kingdom or for the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life? Why not make the right choice now? Seek God’s glory. He will open Himself greatly to you to enjoy.