Saturday, April 14, 2012

Discerning heart

1 Kings 3:1-28
Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statute of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.
Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sarifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. The Lord appeared to Solomon in dream.
Solomon replied to the Lord," Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people and too numerous to count. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong."
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. The Lord gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like he. Moreover God gave him what he have not asked for- both riches and honor- sothat in his lifetime he has no equal among kings.
Solomon wisely ruling the argument between two women for their dead and live children. Because Solomon had wisdom from God to administer justice, all Israel heart the verdict, they held the king in awe.
Why?
Gibeon, a ton 10km/6 mile north-west of Jerusalem.
For shrines/altars older versions have 'high places', meaning the old Cannanite shrines which the Israelites took over. It was not long before the worship of God in these places became mixed with crude pagan practices. the later prophets condemn them.
Solomon concerned about how he can be a good king, and humbled himself before the Lord and obeyed what the Lord said, so the Lord pleased him.
Discerning heart is more precious than any other gifts.
How?
If the Lord asked me what I want? How I will answer it? I will ask the wisdom also, a discerning heart to distinguish between right an wrong, let me walk in the way of  the Lord.

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