So I began trying to read the bible in Chronological order for the second time this year because the previous guideline I was following last year was not for the entire bible. I unfortunately discovered this half way through the year so I decided to see it through anyways. I will say I am unable to be as diligent but I am seeing it through regardless.
What I appreciate about this process yet again is the ‘whole picture’. We all know of a summary of certain stories from the good book, Abraham the father of nations, Noah the man who built the ark, Moses the great man who rescued Israel from Egypt. We know the essence of these stories, but one misses important details if we only go to scripture just to search for particular stories. One of such stories is that of King Solomon the wisest, wealthiest and most powerful king the Lord has ever raised up on the face of the earth.
Solomon born of a woman his father King David enticed to commit adultery, and whose husband he strategically had killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:2-27). The child that Bathsheba Solomon’s mother bore as a result got killed by God as a punishment (2 Samuel 12:1-14). Surprisingly God promised David a successor with the wife of infidelity. At times we allow that to go over our heads because we are so familiar with the story, but I am left wondering why a Holy God would want the future of Israel to be lead someone who comes from a union that came about by great deceit? It may speak to the nature of God who always has a redemptive plan for when mankind falls short of the standard of holiness, also taking into account that the sin was atoned for. Additionally God really loved David. Still, God could have or perhaps should have chosen a successor from amongst David’s wives.
Solomon God’s chosen successor for Israel.
What will we look at today; when chosen you come equipped? Let us see what this will look like. Someone wrote a brief message on Solomon asking for wisdom on my family prayer group. My commentary was that it was actually wisdom in itself for him to ask for wisdom from God because he weighed his limitations and understood that in order to successfully rule he needed the help of the Lord, to yield and surrender to him. That may come from not only his father’s teachings but also observing his father David submit to the Lord. It is very important for parents to be aware of the the fact that raising a child greatly involves leading by example; children observe and imitate. Solomon had seen how the Lord protected David and Israel throughout his reign, granting them many victories in battle and years of peace and prosperity. He also saw how God punished their disobedience.
Coincidentally I would find myself beginning 1 Kings a few days after the said message which details the events that occurred that lead to Solomon’s succession to the throne while his father was alive. I don’t want to get carried away so I will focus on the subject ”When chosen you come equipped”
When King David was very very old, yet again one of his son’s Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne. Nathan the prophet conjured up a plan with Bathsheba Solomon’s mother to prevent him from successfully establishing himself as king. This resulted in Solomon being sworn in the same day as King at the command of his father, fulfilling the oath he had sworn to Bathsheba and the word of the Lord God himself (1 Kings 1).
The focus is always on Solomon asking God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15) not realizing that he already had it as evidence will show in the following passages. It amazed me when I read these scriptures how we have missed this. Solomon needed to yield to the Lord in order to unleash or activate the full capacity of what the Lord had already equipped him with. God always sets one up for success for their chosen role or calling (2 Peter 1:3) . I will present two examples that support this from both father and son.
David was not just an ordinary King but he was a fighter/war general type of King because that is what would be needed to establish the reign of Israel. His predecessor Saul’s reign was filled with war therefore it was only fitting that his successor would be one fit and skilled for battle. The little shepherd boy who was already on fire for God from a very young age fought a lion and bear to protect his earthly father Jesse’s sheep not knowing that is exactly what he was being prepared for, to fight different kinds of lions and bears (Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites and Arameans) to protect his heavenly father’s sheep (Israel). To lead and protect them. Killing a bear and lion with your bare hands and strength is no joke especially for a young teenage boy. It’s almost a supernatural type of strength that could only come from the Lord. ”When chosen you come equipped” In the wilderness God will prepare you for the role he has chosen you for. In the wilderness David was also immensely intimate with the Lord, surrendered therefore his gifts were being sharpened to be utilised for an appointed time beginning officially with Goliath. What does your wilderness look like?
As for Solomon his upbringing is not as detailed as David’s from what I have read thus far, therefore I cannot point to any events that can strongly affirm my statement except to point directly the words of his father King David a man after God’s heart. Therefore not lacking much in wisdom himself David would be expected to be diligent in raising up the future King of Israel. In 1 Kings 2:1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon. 2 ”I am about to go to the way of all the earth” he said. ” So be strong, act like a man, 3 observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promises to me: ‘If your descendants watch before me with all their heart and soul you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel” Kings are raised and vigorously trained to take over. 1 Kings 2:6 Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his grey head go down to the grave in peace , 1 Kings 2: 9 But now do not consider him him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his grey head down to the grave in blood.”
In verse 6 David highlights Solomon’s wisdom. He was already distinguished to be a wise man at the age of 20 allegedly. ”When chosen; you come equipped” . This means the wisdom the Lord equipped Solomon with had been displayed throughout his childhood and thankfully his Father recognized and acknowledged it. It is also very important for parents to try to learn and understand the nature, talents and gifts of their children so that they help nurture and develop them. Parents must never forget that they are the primary stewards of their children, they can either make or break that child. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.Therefore I strongly believe David nurtured Solomon’s gifts, remembering that successors are always trained to succeed. Indeed Solomon would thrive in his calling to be a wise leader of the Lord’s people (1 Kings 4:29-34) verse 34 From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom , sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
I believe I have supported that when one is chosen they come fully equipped by the one who has chosen them. They can only unleash their full potential once they have surrendered to the giver of the gift, the Lord Jesus who is the way to the Father in heaven. Now, for me and you today what does that mean?. Whether your gifts were nurtured or not, as an adult it is now your responsibility to be a good steward of what the Lord has given you (1 Peter 4:10-11) . It begins by allowing him to be a steward over your life. He has chosen you for a particular role that you have been fully equipped for, a particular season or climate.
Right now we are in the last days, the days of Revelations. If David could triumph in his war years to establish peace for Israel, you and I can navigate the chaos of the last days. We must not be intimidated by what is happening around us and by the terror what is yet to come because we were called for such a time. We are a different caliber of Moseses, Davids, Josephs, Queen Esthers, Ruths, Annas and Pauls to name a few. If the bible were still being recorded today, what would your story look like? Whatever it may look like today, as a child of God it’s ending must be that of a victor for the glory of the Kingdom of God. If you are not certain about your gifts it is time to begin a journey of rediscovery. Some of us like myself have unknowingly quenched the fire of certain aspects of themselves not realizing that is the area of their calling. It is time to allow the Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit to unearth the real you, your identity in him. Perhaps harsh conditions of your upbringing corrupted you, stifled your growth, crushed your spirit, it is time to allow the Lord to fix you up, to heal all broken parts of you because he loves you dearly. That is only possible if you surrender.
Be blessed as you go on this journey of rediscovery in Jesus’s name-Amen