“Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. 24 All the leaders and the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, submitted themselves to King Solomon.” 1 Chronicles 29:23,24 NKJV
“On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”” 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 NKJV
“And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”” 1 Kings 3:6-9 NKJV
God of the generations,
A famous question and answer. And we read later of his God given wisdom when he has to judge between two women and a live baby. (1 Kings 3:16-28). But he is not wise when it comes to having too many wives! (1 Kings 11:3). Allowed is not the same as approved!
David had left instructions for the building of the Temple and the materials needed. Solomon was quite happy to follow these blueprints and not put his own stamp on it. He did not need to build his own ego. He knew what You wanted to do God and wanted to serve You and go along with it.
Father help us to see and know the difference between doing a good job and doing a God job. And the difference between good and God is O. O, that light bulb moment when we see what You are doing. Thank You that You still speak through Your Holy Spirit to Kings and leaders but also to those who love You like us. Help us join in Your God work.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 26th May 2025
After serving at Wimbledon and lecturing at St. Augustine’s College in Canterbury, Jack Copley Winslow worked as a missionary in India (1914-1934). He returned to England and served as parish priest and chaplain at a number of churches, including Lee Abbey in Lynton (1948-1962). A hymn and a testimony?
Lord of all power, I give you my will,
in joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
and, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,
rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find.
What eye has not seen and what ear has not heard
is taught by your Spirit and shines from your word.
Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart;
I praise and adore you for all you impart:
your love to inspire me, your counsel to guide,
your presence to cheer me, whatever betide.
Lord of all being, I give you my all.
If e’er I disown you, I stumble and fall,
but, sworn in glad service your word to obey,
I walk in your freedom to the end of the way.
Lyrics: Jack Copley Winslow