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A humble, courageous and faithful testimony.
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 1 Kings 3:3
Every believer can learn a wonderful lesson from Solomon’s early life. He loved our Lord, walked in a holy manner, and offered praise and worship to God (1 Ki 3:3). During one occasion of praise and worship, our Lord appeared to him and asked him what he wished for. Recognizing his own inadequacy but responsibility to God, Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding (1 Ki 3:9). This request pleased God (1 Ki 3:10), who granted it and blessed Solomon, making the Kingdom of Israel the most glorious reign of all time (1 Ki 4:29-30, 1 Ki 10:7, Mat 6:29).
Similarly, we can be blessed when we follow Solomon’s example. Scripture identifies us as citizens (Eph 2:19) and ambassadors (2 Co 5:20) of our Lord Jesus Christ – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Ti 6:15). We, having believed that Jesus died for our sins and rose again from the dead, belong to the mightiest and only enduring Kingdom (Heb 12:28). Further, each of us has received from God a role within this kingdom (2 Tim 1:9), and God expects us to pursue it faithfully (Col 1:10; 1 Th 2:12).
Solomon’s example reminds us to be:
- Humble: We must understand that whatever God has called us to, we can only do it for His glory and in His strength (Eph 6:10).
- Courageous: We should be confident, knowing that God has appointed us and will strengthen us for the task (2 Co 5:6).
- Faithful: We must remember that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5) and that He is our rock, fortress, and deliverer (Psa 18:2).
Solomon’s early life
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 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?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:3-14
