April 28-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:1-3, Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. 2 Then 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— 3 and 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.
Observe what it is saying.
We are beginning a series of devotionals on the complicated life of Solomon, deemed one of the wisest men on earth. He took over the kingship of the united Israel kingdom after his father, David, had passed away. We will discover Solomon accomplished many amazing things, but also, failed rather miserably in what was most important. In this Scripture, Solomon was riding the wave of his father’s friendship with God and found his own favor with God who made him outstanding among royalty. Solomon started well in his kingship with his first act of leading the nation’s leaders to the tabernacle to worship God. From the time of Moses, the tabernacle was the designated place of worship. Solomon’s action declared from the beginning his intention was to follow the faith of his father and lead the nation in worship and obedience to the same God, the one and only God of all creation. If we want to begin a new venture well, starting with worship and surrender to the Lord is the wisest way to do so.
Relate it to your life
Because each day is a new venture, I would be wise to begin it in worship and surrender to the Lord.
Do something.
Father, I choose to make my first act and thoughts each day to be in pursuit of Your wisdom, grace, and direction. Amen.
April 29-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:4-6, Now 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. 5 But 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. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
Observe what it is saying.
Gibeon was 5.5 miles outside of Jerusalem. As we saw yesterday, the tabernacle was located on a high place, a hill or mountain. Since high places are mentioned frequently during this period of history, it is helpful to know that prior to the construction of the temple, high places were generic worship sites that were not necessarily connected with pagan worship. The negative connotation of high places begins after the completion of the temple, after which high places were associated with idolatry and syncretism. Because of the possibility that the author’s audience may view Solomon’s trip to a high place in a negative fashion, much is done to emphasize that this high place was legitimate. Both the tabernacle and the bronze altar were located there. So, they were authentically inquiring of the Lord there, and Solomon’s extensive sacrifice at Gibeon also revealed his deep reverence for God as his reign began.
Relate it to your life.
Because I am the temple of Christ’s Holy Spirit, I worship continually with every word and act of my life.
Do something.
Holy Spirit, may You truly feel welcome here in my life amidst all of my thoughts, words, and activity.
April 30-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:7-10, That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, 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. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Observe what it is saying.
After Solomon led Israel’s leadership to lavishly worship God, God showed up in a dream inviting Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. The timing is important. God had seen Solomon’s heart in this act of extravagant worship. He knew He could trust Solomon with such an invitation without it being taken advantage. God wanted to provide Solomon what he needed to carry out his kingship successfully. Solomon did not disappoint as he offered thanks for what God had done for his dad, King David, and the promises made to him. He understood the weight of his responsibility as a steward to lead God’s people. Interestingly, he did not call them his own people, but God’s people. He knew that he was the manager, and God was the owner. Because he understood his royal position was a tremendous gift and heavy responsibility from God, he asked for wisdom and knowledge to undertake, in his eyes, an impossible task. Solomon began his reign well with his heart and mind in the best possible place trusting in God.
Relate it to your life.
As God’s steward, responsible for all He has given me, I need heaven’s help to care for it well.
Do something.
“Father, give me Holy Spirit wisdom to follow, serve, and lead all that You have given me. Amen.”
May 1-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12, God 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, 12 therefore 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.”
Observe what it is saying.
Because Solomon unselfishly asked for wisdom to lead God’s people, God was pleased with his humble heart which refused to treat God as a genie in a bottle asking for personal favors. God saw he understood the weight of his responsibility and how much he needed the help of heaven to accomplish this monumental task of successfully leading God’s people. Instead of being puffed up with pride as the king of Israel, Solomon started his reign with a pure passion for the Lord and His will to be done. He understood just because he was placed into a position of power that it did not automatically make him a great leader. Whatever position we find ourselves in, great or small, we want to recognize our need for wisdom and discernment to do it well. There is a spiritual principle that runs throughout Scripture that we find in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” God revealed He was going to do this for Solomon because of his humble approach to his kingship.
Relate it to your life.
Our humility is the doorway to God’s heart.
Do something.
Father, forgive me for my pride that goes deeper than I can imagine. Instead, help me to see myself as your humble servant. Amen.
May 2-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:13, Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.
Observe what it is saying.
Let’s remember that Solomon’s first act was to worship God. He went to Gibeon where the tent of meeting, the tabernacle was located. This was over 5 miles from Jerusalem. He took with him the leadership of Israel. He was making a significant statement early on that he was putting himself and his kingship under the authority of the Lord. He worshiped extravagantly offering many sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord saw his heart and told him to ask whatever he desired. God knew He could give that invitation without Solomon asking for something foolish. Solomon proved God right (which no one needs to do!) and asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people well. Because of his humble request, God promised to bless him in every imaginable way. This all happened before we are told that Solomon left to begin his reign over Israel. He did not jump in quickly but wisely worshiped and offered himself and his country to be fully surrendered under the authority of God. This seems to be such a good model any time we begin any new venture, job, or leadership role. Before rushing in to start working, spend time in the presence of the Lord in worship, prayer, and surrender. Then, watch what God does!
Relate it to your life.
My best use of time is in worship and prayer before beginning the work God has called me to do.
Do something.
Father, help me to employ the practice of spiritual preparation before jumping in with both feet. Amen.
May 3-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:14-17, Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
Observe what it is saying.
We find the abundant results of God’s promise to Solomon. With God’s wisdom and blessing, Solomon increased the defense of his country. The logistics of developing and maintaining such a large chariot force required a substantial organizational structure. The chariot cities were strategic and facilitated protection of trade routes and aided national security. The economy was the best it had ever been. The abundance of silver and gold would play a central role in the construction of the temple. Solomon’s horse trading between the northern regions implies that he exerted control over these territories. The price point of six hundred shekels of silver for a chariot suggests that these were no ordinary chariots, but rather richly decorated which would be used by royalty in processions and state ceremonies. So, with God’s blessing, Solomon was establishing himself as a substantial power and kingdom in the near east at the time. God faithfully delivered on His promise to give Solomon wisdom and material blessing.
Relate it to your life.
God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.
Do something.
Father, give me such faith to believe that You can supply all that is needed and more for the work You have put into my hands. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:1-3, Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. 2 Then 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— 3 and 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.
Observe what it is saying.
We are beginning a series of devotionals on the complicated life of Solomon, deemed one of the wisest men on earth. He took over the kingship of the united Israel kingdom after his father, David, had passed away. We will discover Solomon accomplished many amazing things, but also, failed rather miserably in what was most important. In this Scripture, Solomon was riding the wave of his father’s friendship with God and found his own favor with God who made him outstanding among royalty. Solomon started well in his kingship with his first act of leading the nation’s leaders to the tabernacle to worship God. From the time of Moses, the tabernacle was the designated place of worship. Solomon’s action declared from the beginning his intention was to follow the faith of his father and lead the nation in worship and obedience to the same God, the one and only God of all creation. If we want to begin a new venture well, starting with worship and surrender to the Lord is the wisest way to do so.
Relate it to your life
Because each day is a new venture, I would be wise to begin it in worship and surrender to the Lord.
Do something.
Father, I choose to make my first act and thoughts each day to be in pursuit of Your wisdom, grace, and direction. Amen.
April 29-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:4-6, Now 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. 5 But 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. 6 Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
Observe what it is saying.
Gibeon was 5.5 miles outside of Jerusalem. As we saw yesterday, the tabernacle was located on a high place, a hill or mountain. Since high places are mentioned frequently during this period of history, it is helpful to know that prior to the construction of the temple, high places were generic worship sites that were not necessarily connected with pagan worship. The negative connotation of high places begins after the completion of the temple, after which high places were associated with idolatry and syncretism. Because of the possibility that the author’s audience may view Solomon’s trip to a high place in a negative fashion, much is done to emphasize that this high place was legitimate. Both the tabernacle and the bronze altar were located there. So, they were authentically inquiring of the Lord there, and Solomon’s extensive sacrifice at Gibeon also revealed his deep reverence for God as his reign began.
Relate it to your life.
Because I am the temple of Christ’s Holy Spirit, I worship continually with every word and act of my life.
Do something.
Holy Spirit, may You truly feel welcome here in my life amidst all of my thoughts, words, and activity.
April 30-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:7-10, That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, 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. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Observe what it is saying.
After Solomon led Israel’s leadership to lavishly worship God, God showed up in a dream inviting Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. The timing is important. God had seen Solomon’s heart in this act of extravagant worship. He knew He could trust Solomon with such an invitation without it being taken advantage. God wanted to provide Solomon what he needed to carry out his kingship successfully. Solomon did not disappoint as he offered thanks for what God had done for his dad, King David, and the promises made to him. He understood the weight of his responsibility as a steward to lead God’s people. Interestingly, he did not call them his own people, but God’s people. He knew that he was the manager, and God was the owner. Because he understood his royal position was a tremendous gift and heavy responsibility from God, he asked for wisdom and knowledge to undertake, in his eyes, an impossible task. Solomon began his reign well with his heart and mind in the best possible place trusting in God.
Relate it to your life.
As God’s steward, responsible for all He has given me, I need heaven’s help to care for it well.
Do something.
“Father, give me Holy Spirit wisdom to follow, serve, and lead all that You have given me. Amen.”
May 1-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12, God 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, 12 therefore 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.”
Observe what it is saying.
Because Solomon unselfishly asked for wisdom to lead God’s people, God was pleased with his humble heart which refused to treat God as a genie in a bottle asking for personal favors. God saw he understood the weight of his responsibility and how much he needed the help of heaven to accomplish this monumental task of successfully leading God’s people. Instead of being puffed up with pride as the king of Israel, Solomon started his reign with a pure passion for the Lord and His will to be done. He understood just because he was placed into a position of power that it did not automatically make him a great leader. Whatever position we find ourselves in, great or small, we want to recognize our need for wisdom and discernment to do it well. There is a spiritual principle that runs throughout Scripture that we find in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” God revealed He was going to do this for Solomon because of his humble approach to his kingship.
Relate it to your life.
Our humility is the doorway to God’s heart.
Do something.
Father, forgive me for my pride that goes deeper than I can imagine. Instead, help me to see myself as your humble servant. Amen.
May 2-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:13, Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.
Observe what it is saying.
Let’s remember that Solomon’s first act was to worship God. He went to Gibeon where the tent of meeting, the tabernacle was located. This was over 5 miles from Jerusalem. He took with him the leadership of Israel. He was making a significant statement early on that he was putting himself and his kingship under the authority of the Lord. He worshiped extravagantly offering many sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord saw his heart and told him to ask whatever he desired. God knew He could give that invitation without Solomon asking for something foolish. Solomon proved God right (which no one needs to do!) and asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people well. Because of his humble request, God promised to bless him in every imaginable way. This all happened before we are told that Solomon left to begin his reign over Israel. He did not jump in quickly but wisely worshiped and offered himself and his country to be fully surrendered under the authority of God. This seems to be such a good model any time we begin any new venture, job, or leadership role. Before rushing in to start working, spend time in the presence of the Lord in worship, prayer, and surrender. Then, watch what God does!
Relate it to your life.
My best use of time is in worship and prayer before beginning the work God has called me to do.
Do something.
Father, help me to employ the practice of spiritual preparation before jumping in with both feet. Amen.
May 3-Solomon’s Story
Write out the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 1:14-17, Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
Observe what it is saying.
We find the abundant results of God’s promise to Solomon. With God’s wisdom and blessing, Solomon increased the defense of his country. The logistics of developing and maintaining such a large chariot force required a substantial organizational structure. The chariot cities were strategic and facilitated protection of trade routes and aided national security. The economy was the best it had ever been. The abundance of silver and gold would play a central role in the construction of the temple. Solomon’s horse trading between the northern regions implies that he exerted control over these territories. The price point of six hundred shekels of silver for a chariot suggests that these were no ordinary chariots, but rather richly decorated which would be used by royalty in processions and state ceremonies. So, with God’s blessing, Solomon was establishing himself as a substantial power and kingdom in the near east at the time. God faithfully delivered on His promise to give Solomon wisdom and material blessing.
Relate it to your life.
God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.
Do something.
Father, give me such faith to believe that You can supply all that is needed and more for the work You have put into my hands. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals