Where is perfection truly found? Do you elevate the people in the Bible such as Moses, Ruth, Joshua, Hannah, Samuel, David, or Solomon to higher levels of respect, renown, and awe because of the amazing events they lived through, their actions, or their faith in God? As I have been reading through the old testament I have found myself easily feeling so lackluster compared to the people of faith in times past. Why do I feel so inferior compared to the people in the Bible? When we can read the complete story of these peoples lives of faith it can seem overwhelming because the highs and lows of their life is seen without having to live through it. What was the day to day life was like for Samuel, Hannah, or Solomon? Did they have good days and bad days? We all share in our mutual humanity and the inherency of our sinful nature so there is more in common than is seen at first. The constant at work throughout the ages is God’s faithfulness and power manifested through his people. When I look back upon my own story someday I will see a story just as awe inspiring as the lives of Joshua, Ruth, or David.
In 1 Kings 3 and 4 we see the power of God manifested in the wisdom of Solomon. What would you ask for if God were to offer to give you whatever you desired? Would you look at material things, relationships, or longevity? I am encouraged by Solomon’s request to be able to judge the hearts and intentions of men. To be blessed with wisdom to know how to relate to people justly would be amazing. The renown of Solomon’s wisdom spread to many nations around Israel and many people came to hear him. Did the wisdom and fame of Solomon cause him to become proud? How did Solomon’s family react to his great wisdom? What problems can come from having great wisdom?
Do you think of Solomon and his wisdom, power, and wealth and feel a little envy? Who should we really be looking upon as our primary focus through out the Bible? It was God that enabled Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. It was God that blessed Ruth and Naomi through Boaz when they thought all hope was lost. It was God who bless Joshua and gave him the strength and power to claim the promised land. It was God who honored Hannah’s plea for a son in her brokenness. It was God who called to Samuel as he slept in the night calling him as a prophet. It was God who called David and enabled him to be the shepherd leader of Israel. It was God who granted Solomon the wisdom, wealth, and power that we see in 1 Kings 3 and 4. Our primary focus needs to be on God alone because he is the one who has been at work in the lives of these people of renown.
The beauty of your life will be found when you realize that the same God who worked through Moses, Ruth, Joshua, Hannah, Samuel, David, and Solomon is the same God today. It is God who will work through you! Do you sense the encouragement to make it through the mundane moments in life because it is God working in you? Will you choose today to cling to God as you learn to love and follow Him? Place your faith firmly in Jesus Christ and you will make the most important choice of your life. Live a confident life knowing that God has been at work yesterday, today, and forever.
