March 2, 2024

Passage Read: 1 Chronicles 27 - 2 Chronicles 1
Meditation Verse: 2 Chronicles 1:10

Thought

Solomon recognizes his own limitation, and his responsibility before God to rule over God's people. He knows he's not up to the task, but it is the one thing that consumes his thoughts. He isn't worried about money or protection or enemies or fame or long life. What concerns him most is how to lead God's people, how to lead them well, in the way that pleases God most. And God is pleased with this request for wisdom and knowledge so that he can rule them well. This is the kind of ruler God desires. He appoints men to rule over others, but not all of them are concerned about the right way to rule. Many see it as a means to their own glory and prosperity or power, but God chose a shepherd boy to rule, because David delighted in God and knew what it meant to care for the sheep, even risking his life for their lives. Solomon was raised in a palace and didn't have his father's experiences, but apparently had enough wisdom to recognize his inability and ask God for the wisdom and knowledge he needed to rule well.

Application

Every ruler needs to recognize his inability and lack of experience, and in that humility, seek God for instruction and guidance and wisdom to rule over those God has entrusted to him. He ultimately is a servant to God and of God, to care for the needs of the people and guide them to know God and walk in His ways. He needs wisdom to understand what the real needs of the people are, even as they make all kinds of requests. He needs to know what God wants for his people, and to direct them in the way He wants them to go. No easy task. Which is why every ruler, no matter how great or small, must know God and His ways personally, if he wants to succeed in God's eyes. I always need to keep studying and practicing the words of this Book, to know God and to represent Him accurately to the people He has entrusted to me.