1 Kings 3, 6
H - "'Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?' It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this." - 1 Kings 3:9-10
E - God has established Solomon as king, but Solomon is young and inexperienced. He feels inadequate to govern Israel. God allows him to ask for anything he wants, and Solomon asks for wisdom to govern God's people. This was a very wise request and one Yahweh was happy to answer affirmatively. God delights in giving us wisdom to govern. He created us to govern and rule (Genesis 1:26), depending on the wisdom he gives.
A - Father, I need wisdom as a disciple of Jesus, husband, father, elder, disciple maker, Air Force attorney, friend, and neighbour. I fail to govern well my marriage, family, church, and ministry when I do so in an independent manner. I need your wisdom. To lead a church is too difficult. All of us need your wisdom. Our elder team needs wisdom. I love you, Lord. I want to see some amazing things happen. I want to facilitate a healthy church. I want the body of Christ to grow and mature. I need wisdom for myself in my personal life, especially how to use my time wisely. I need to be a better leader in the home. I also need wisdom and self-discipline regarding my physical health. Lord, give me wisdom.
R - "Jeff, I am happy to give you wisdom. Love me with all your heart (1 Kings 3:3). Set your heart on the King, my Son Jesus, and be his true disciple. Let him turn you into a harvest worker and fisher of men. Let Scripture be your wisdom. Walk wisely by being filled by/with the Spirit. That is the true way to live, both now and in eternity. Remember the sermon you just preached (Ephesians 5:15-21). Follow it. Wise living comes through the filling of the Spirit and results in corporate teaching, singing, giving thanks, and submitting oneself. Submission in marriage, family, and the workplace follows. All of this is wise living. Keep well-balanced and others-focused. Pray without ceasing. Utterly depend on me. This is wisdom."
P - Father, indeed Paul says in Ephesians 5:15-21 to walk wisely, make the most of the time, understand Jesus' desire, and be filled by/with the Spirit. I call upon you, Lord, to fill me with wisdom as you did Solomon. Help me to get my life in order so that I, along with my co-elders, may govern our local church wisely and well. May we be a local church who multiplies disciple makers and fulfils the Great Commission in Dunedin and beyond. Amen!
- Jeff Coleman