Devotional - June 8, 2004

Solomon came to power in spite of the ambition of his brother Adoniijah. Scripture says he was a good king bringing forty years of secured peace to the nation of Israel behind his Father's forty years. Eighty years in all, but the nation of Israel was never more powerful and influential than during Solomon's years as king.

What was the reason Solomon was so successful leading Israel? Some who are not students of the Bible may conclude that it was the momentum of his father's reign that guaranteed his success. Others may attribute his rise to power to his wealth for it is said that no one in all the world was as rich as Solomon. If you recall the wisdom Solomon displayed, you might say that it alone was his claim to fame.

Many things played a part in his success but none of them were as vital as his prayer asking God for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong in order to judge God's people rightly. Discernment is the God-given ability to tell what's right and what's wrong. Can you imagine the difficulty trying to know God's will if we don't have discernment?

There is perhaps no greater reason our nation is approaching self-destruction as the fact we can't tell the difference in right and wrong. Our founding fathers had no problem recognizing God's role in establishing our republic. But today, it's as if our legislative, judicial and executive segments of government are racing each other to see which one will outlaw even mentioning God in public, much less paying tribute to Him.

Do you desire a discerning heart like Solomon? God granted much more to Solomon because he planned to use his newfound ability to do God's work among God's people. Some might think Solomon viewed discernment as a stepping stone to fame, fortune and power. Instead God gave those things to Solomon as a result of his seeing and responding to life from His own viewpoint.

Got discernment? If so, thank God for the richest blessing He gives His children. If not, ask Him for it; then go to the Bible and practice using it. Finally, put it into practice by applying it to your own life as well as that of those you serve.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ki. 3:3-4:34 Ac. 6:1-15 Ps. 126: 1-6 Pr. 16: 26-27 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society