December 11, 2015
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:7; 2 Chronicles 1:1-12
7Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa,
1Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel—to the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of families— 3and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the wilderness. 4Now David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem. 5But the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. 6Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
7That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
8Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
11God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
Questions for Reflection:
Solomon followed his father David onto the throne of Israel. During his reign, the kingdom of Israel would expand to its largest size. He would move the people of Israel from worship in the Tabernacle to worship in a Temple that he would construct. He would build fortified cities and expand the trade alliances with the surrounding countries.
Much of Solomon’s success is attributed to the vision that he had of God. What did God ask Solomon? How did Solomon respond to that question? What did he ask for? If God had asked you that question, what would you have asked for? How did God respond to Solomon’s request for wisdom?
Solomon set the gold standard for the kings of Israel. Matthew highlighted the fact that Jesus was of the line of Solomon to remind them of his kingly ancestors. Jesus was not just a great prophet or teacher; He was born to be King. How can we continue to affirm the reign of Jesus? What’s one decision you can make today that would reinforce his authority over your life?