Title: God's Bonus
Contents
The text is 1 Kings 3:9-13
In a nutshell, would the advertisement “Everyone, get rich” shook the whole country? Of course, the only people who became rich after hearing the advertisement were the advertising models who shouted to become rich, and many of the people became bad credit. Like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who wanted to obtain even a candle of immortality, people would have wished for a long life and not aging in the world.
God was well aware of the human desire to pursue these things. But Solomon said, “Give me a heart of wisdom so that I may rule the people of God well.” said.
God hears Solomon's wish and marvels at him. ①They do not ask for money for themselves ②For themselves, ②They do not seek wealth ③Those who oppose their own kingship The crowd on the other side who seizes the opportunity and tries to kill him He commended them for not asking for the destruction of their lives.
In general, we say that Solomon asked for wisdom without much thought, but what Solomon asked for was not the “wise head,” that is, wisdom related to IQ or knowledge. It was to save a wise mind. So, you saved the ‘heart’, not the intelligent and smart head. In the original language, it is “someah rev”, which means “to hear”, “to understand”, and “to obey”. Therefore, the literal translation of the text is “Give your servant an understanding heart, and an obedient heart.” So, in judging the people, it means the spiritual wisdom to obey the Word of God along with an understanding heart that makes it possible to discern between good and evil. It does not mean that I have to be smart or grow well, but it means a wise heart that can discern between good and evil by understanding God's will and obeying it.
As such, King Solomon is seeking God's kingdom and justice before his own happiness and comfort. Of course, Solomon's heart like this moved God, so God said: Verse 12 “I do what you say, and I give you a heart of wisdom and understanding…” Then he gives Solomon a bonus blessing. Verse 13: “And I give you riches and glory that you did not ask for, and there will be none like you among kings in your lifetime.”
In the story of Solomon, we can get the answer of what to say when God asks us to say our wish. When God asks us, “What will you give me?”, “Yes, the economy is very difficult. Give me money.” This is a failing score. Of course there are no bonuses.
When God asks students, “What do you want me to give you?”, “Yes, please let them go to a good school.” This is also a failing score. Like Solomon, if I want to receive a bonus that is truly pleasing to God, I must first exclude myself. I must give up my happiness and my greed. What happens to me, whether I am well or happy, is in the background, and I must first think about the kingdom of God, the people of God, and the church of God.
So I was like, “What will God give me?” If you ask me, I would like to ask for this.
“God, make this country a great missionary power.” You can save my happiness, my health, my longevity, and my wealth, but we must put aside things for ourselves and seek the wisdom God gives us.
Of course, it's not easy. It is also a difficult task that we do not know well. In fact, there are times when the life of our saints is creaking because of self-centered prayer rather than God-centered prayer. Doesn't it come from a heart that builds up my self-esteem by getting out of "God, give me a heart to understand"? But instead of seeking my own like Solomon, he said, “Give me a heart that is attentive to your will.” If you do, you will surely get everything else. So Jesus taught his disciples on the mountain. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Everyone! Blessings of bonuses, blessings of blessings to you in your lifetime.