Solomon is an example of how to receive from the Lord. He gives freely and graciously, He gives to the needy, and He makes us better by receiving.

First, Solomon was a sinner, but the Lord still blessed him. vs1-5

“Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.” vs1

We don’t have to be perfect, but we must be in Christ. Through Christ and by faith, God will bless the ungodly: When we do what He says, which is repent, humble ourselves, and believe the gospel, then He will do what He’s promised above what we ask or think [Eph 3:20]. He is more gracious than we deserve, because He’s found a Perfect Man, our Lord Jesus Christ, and He took away our sins.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Christ] the many will be made righteous. [Rom 5:19]

Christ’s obedience gives us a good standing, and God’s grace gives us good things through our imperfect but actual faith.

You see, Solomon married women he shouldn’t have, and it costs him. Here, however, he’s blessed in spite of it. This is the greatness of God: Solomon is where he should not be, praying imperfectly, and yet God hears him!

And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” vs3-4

Is it not the same with us? We are imperfect, but blessed. We are sinners, but recovered and comforted. He does not deal with us after our sins, but He gives more grace. He pardons and passes by transgressions. He is not cruel, but He COMES TO US with good things.

Solomon had no business in the high places of idolatry. He did believe, but he had much unbelief. Be encouraged to call on the Lord anyway.

Secondly, it is a great encouragement that Solomon lacked wisdom. 1 Kings 3:6-14

And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a people too numerous to count or number. Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” vs7-9

I’ve always thought he was naturally intelligent and got an add on. Yet, he confesses his emptiness and need! The job was too big for him, and this must encourage us: Samson’s strength came from God, Solomon’s wisdom came from Above, and we’re wise to confess our need. He will fill us!

God is gracious, if we humble ourselves and believe Him. This is walking with God like Enoch, who looked upon Him as a faithful rewarder.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. [Heb 11:6]

If we HUMBLE OURSELVES and just ask, then it will be well with us!

But He gives us more grace. This is why it says:

“God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.” [James 4:6]

Ask to grow in grace, ask to be more humble, and ask to love. Ask to honor God like Solomon.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. [James 1:5]

If we ask for selfish gain, then we won’t receive, but if it is for His glory, then He’ll give [James 4:3].

Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request.[1 Kings 3:10]

Thirdly, obedience is the result of wisdom. 1 Kings 3:15

Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. vs15

Solomon now offers sacrifices in the right place, before the ark of the covenant, and he is kind to his servants. God improves us by bestowing wisdom. He opens our heart to ask, grants our petition, and then we honor Him.

Let’s be encouraged by His goodness and go to Him, remembering holiness, peace, and love are the result [James 3:13-18]. We’ll minister properly when He ministers to us!