God Answers
Now I want to point out how God responded to Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3:10. We read, "The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this." Remember, he asked for discernment and the ability to lead the people. In verse 11, God said to him, "Since you have asked for this, and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies, but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I'll give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honour, so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."
Seeking First the Kingdom
So He honoured Solomon's prayer by giving him what he asked for, and even that which he didn't ask for, which was a lesson to me - don't ask for all sorts of blessings. Ask for character and ability and Christ-likeness, and the blessings will come. It reminds me of Jesus saying, "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you."
But friends, we mustn't miss out on verse 14, because God says to him, "If you walk in obedience to Me and keep My decrees and commands as your father David did, I will give you long life." But even at the beginning of this chapter, Solomon's loyalties are divided. If you read at the beginning of this chapter, he's already offering sacrifices in the high places, which was not where they were meant to be done by godly people. And all throughout his life he seemed to wrestle with temptations to leave God behind and run after godless things.
Persevering in Obedience
Let's be reminded of these two truths today, shall we? Firstly, seek first the Kingdom and God will add all of these things to you. And He is faithful to answer our prayers, but keep seeking first His Kingdom, not just in a moment like Solomon did, and then leaving Him behind, but keep walking in obedience and keeping His decrees and commands, and keep being a person of God.
Solomon's legacy was tarnished by the end of his life because he hadn't done this. And so, despite having wisdom to guide and lead people, his personal life and his personal walk with God was compromised.
Let's not be public Christians but personal Christian failures. Let's walk in obedience to Him all of our lives and receive His blessing that way.
