Friday, March 16, 2012

I Kings 3:10-12a NASB

And it was pleasing in the sight of the LORD that Solomon had asked [for an understanding heart to judge God's people].  And God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold I have done according to your words."

God's offer to Solomon, to ask whatever he wished and He would give it to him, is not only a revelation of Solomon's heart at this time in his life, but especially a revelation of God's heart for His children.  This was an open, immediate, heartfelt, and full response, one to another, about what moved them.  What moved Solomon was his love for God. What moved God was his love for Solomon. That's what forms this amazing story. This always forms amazing stories!  The bond that happens between God and His children leads to memorable moments and incredible blessings.  Ask them, and then take the time to sit down and listen to the stories of these, God's people. Ask them about their God moments.  Ask them about their God blessings. They will amaze you with something like nothing else in the world. You'll quickly sense the deep love they have for the Eternal One; a pure, full love that made the things of earth grown strangely dim.  On one hand these people flat out contradict the world;  they don't think like the world, they don't talk like the world, they don't seek like the world, and they don't live like the world.  And yet, while they aren't trying to impress anyone, they care about everyone.   They don't ask for the things of the world, but they ask for the world.  And here is where the stories come alive. They have the heart of God for holiness and righteousness (justice), and they are ready to give their very lives and living for God's heart.  This immediately gets God's eye.  That's what our text reveals.  It shows us what really impresses God:  a person not consumed with his own needs, wants and feelings.  Consider our text again:  "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life (our needs), nor have asked riches for yourself (our wants), nor have you asked for the life of your enemies (our feelings), but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold I have done according to your words." 

So, what is it you're asking for?  Ask for something bigger and better!  It will set you apart!  It will give you some amazing stories!  Tell them for His glory.  Stir our hearts with these God moments and God blessings. We need to hear them.

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