New
You may have heard of King Solomon? He was the son of David who succeeded him as King of Israel around 970BC.
Just after his coronation, the Bible records that God appeared to Solomon and said to Him, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you’. Wow! This was bigger than a genie offering unlimited wishes!
So, what did Solomon ask for... riches, fame, honour or victories over his enemies? No, he asked for wisdom! So that he could lead and govern God’s people.
This answer really pleased God and He granted that request, and gave him incredible wisdom, to lead well, but also insight and understanding in all sorts of arenas. On top of that God gave Solomon great wealth and standing as well!
Let me pause for a moment and be clear! It is good that we ask God for wisdom, something I have prayed for often. But I have no expectation that God will automatically give me the great wealth too like Solomon!
Reading about Solomon again there was little verse that caught my eye and my imagination. It was when the Bible described an ornate throne that Solomon made...
“Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom.”
This throne was totally unique and it must have looked incredible - perfectly fitting for the great King that Solomon was. But what caught my attention was that it was something new – it had never been seen before! I like that.
I do believe that God is the ultimate creative being. Therefore, it’s no surprise that He gave Solomon gifts of creativity. I think that this applies to us as well. God can give us new, fresh and inventive ways in all aspects of life.
So let me encourage you, in whatever arena you are involved with to look afresh to God for His inspiration. As we continue to emerge from the last 15 months, I do believe that we are moving into a new season! There are things out there ‘that have never been seen before’...
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader