Psalm 21, 72, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 110, 144; 1 Kings 3-4; Proverbs 1-3

Sons have a nasty reputation earned over time whereby many think quite arrogantly and presumptuously merely because of Daddy’s position or accomplishments. A father’s power, wealth or fame are his own accomplishments and with the exception of wealth cannot be legitimately passed along. To be truly legitimate, these things must be earned. It comes as almost a perceived birthright to greatness, but ignores the principle that every man will be judged by his own words and deeds. When it comes to royal dynasties, things become magnified. How will the son of the great King David rule?

And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

1 Kings 3:6-10

When Jesus commands that we “become as little children” and to such “belongs the kingdom of God”, He is asking for something quite difficult for adults to do. Striving all of our lives to escape the constraints of childhood because we see in adulthood freedom and power, it seems counterintuitive to just give it all up. So we can look to Solomon. Obviously he is a grown man, but an honorable humility can be clearly discerned in him. As Christians, we are the adopted sons and daughters of the King; there is much to learn from another son of another king.

Solomon rightly perceived that he had inherited the throne of David, but not the source of his greatness. He understood that David’s greatness was a divine gift from God and a result of relationship, uprightness and devotion. Solomon knew he must earn this on his own by submitting to Yahweh and walking in the ways of David. True greatness comes through willing submission to Elohim Shaddai.

Solomon rightly perceived he needed guidance so that he could lead. Stew on that for a minute. Whether kids inherit corporations or farms or thrones, the human inclination is to grab the reins, say “it’s MY turn” and go because “I’ve got it all figured out”. Not so with Solomon. The key to greatness was not in his bloodline, rather it was in his Creator. The kingdom he inherited from his father was not unshakable, but was very fragile as the future would so tragically reveal. Only Yahweh possessed the wisdom and understanding to lead the people who came out of captivity and prevent them from returning. True greatness comes from consistently following Yahweh.

Even more amazing is that this insightful, humble response of Solomon follows God asking him “What shall I give you?” Imagine having money, power and prestige at your fingertips and asking your 10-year old to ask for anything they desire. That was the risk Yahweh was willing to take. From the perspective of an innocent child, Solomon asked for discerning wisdom. Since this pleased the LORD, Solomon was granted wisdom as well as riches and honor. The child-like king became a legend.

He was not perfect, and even from the start he married Pharaoh’s daughter and made sacrifices at the high places. Like us, Solomon’s imperfections would plague him. He started well enough, and God can work with that.

Similarly, we come to God as a little child and He grants us adoption and an imperishable inheritance. He also grants us liberty. In a sense, Yahweh asks His precious children, “What shall I give you?” Flush with grace, mercy and new life, too many rush back to the old things with the attitude, “I’ve got this all figured out”. Encountering local congregations, some say “It’s MY turn” and start to seize and wield power like Daddy has just given them the family business. Others, recognizing that true greatness comes from willing submission and consistently following the God of the universe simply ask to be led and fed. You know, just like a little child.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!