Scripture Nugget 5.30.2017
Scripture Read 1 Kings 1-4
Nugget 1 Kings 1:6; 2:1-4; 3:9-14
“His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, ‘Why have you done thus and so?’… When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying: ‘I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong and courageous, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. The LORD will establish his word that he spoke concerning me: “If your heirs take heed to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you a successor on the throne of Israel.”’ … ‘Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statues and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’”
Devotional Thought: Solomon receives a great gift from God and will continue to receive that gift always – IF! If he will walk in God’s ways, keeping God’s statutes and God’s commandments. Too bad, David wasn’t always a father who held his son’s accountable. Who called them out when they strayed, then called them out to honor God. David’s permissiveness will ultimately work against Solomon, as it had Absalom and Adonijah. How will Solomon live with/use the blessings God bestows upon him? Will he amass wealth for himself or use to help others? If only!