My wife and I had a mini-getaway over the weekend; quick trip up north to visit friends Saturday afternoon, back Sunday evening. As we were driving and talking, my wife shared some thoughts, and I am like “Now that’s what I’m saying. That’s what happens when you bow before the words of God and listen and let God speak.”
Do you remember the story in 1 Kings where God said to Solomon: “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon could have asked for anything — riches, power, long life, victory over his enemies. But he asked for an understanding heart – wisdom- so he could serve well as king.
(1 Kings 3:9 NKJV) “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
Okay. Are you ready for this?
Where did he get it? I mean where did he get this desire, this insight, to bring wisdom to the top of his wish list.
You are going to love this. Here’s the story. My wife was reading the following text.
Proverbs 4:3-8 MSG When I was a boy at my father’s knee, the pride and joy of my mother, (4) He would sit me down and drill me: “Take this to heart. Do what I tell you–live! (5) Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! (6) Never walk away from Wisdom–she guards your life; love her–she keeps her eye on you. (7) Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (8) Throw your arms around her–believe me, you won’t regret it; never let her go–she’ll make your life glorious.
How did Solomon know to ask for wisdom? Where did he get such powerful advice?
Sitting on his Daddy David’s knee. Woa, baby! Are you with me on this?
My Sweetie is telling me this and I am incredulous. Wow! Yes, we all commend Solomon for his savvy and his excellent choice, but if you are like me you never made this connection before.
King David, Solomon’s dad, gathering him up on his knee one evening after supper, giving him the drill: “Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!”
Insight…method.
Not only was I captured with the insight, but I was grateful for the method. My wife is continuously reading through the Bible. We both do, but she usually comes closer to making it in a year and it usually takes me a year and a half.
But she wasn’t forcing the issue.
She wasn’t studying. She wasn’t even looking for insights per say. She was merely sitting before her God, word in hand, heart bowed, listening, expecting, enjoying the proximity of the Presence of God. And the Spirit dropped this in her lap.
And this is what I believe we often miss with our studying, and proving our points, and defending and searching for answers. . .
There is a time for everything, and God has providentially carried his words from generation to generation so we could sit, “Book” in lap, and hear God. God’s intent and purpose for his words – his children bowed before him reading and listening.
K_____ was doing this, and God went “whoosh” scene 1 – Solomon commenting on the value of wisdom, then God went “whoosh” scene 2 – rewind, flashback – Solomon on his dad’s lap learning the value of wisdom.
Wow! Am I overusing that word? Wow!!!
