Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

1 Kings 3

Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? v7-9

It is very important for us to recognize our position with respect to God, specifically that God is the Creator, He Reigns, and that He is Our Savior.  Without God there would be nothing and we would be nothing.  Solomon recognizes this.  Even though the McArthur Bible Commentary indicates that Solomon is just 20 years old, this is middle age or older for Solomon's contemporaries.  He is more than old enough and mature enough to be king.  Yet he rightfully assumes the throne with humility.  

When we recognize our rightful position with respect to God, we can then recognize our need for Him.  See also Matthew 5:3.



This humility is not just a one time recognition but a lifelong dependence on Jesus for our daily bread.


[M]an does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3
 
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and provision for me.  My cup overflows.  I am not worth such blessings.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.