Imagine being given a signed blank check and told to fill in any amount you want. Would you fill in an amount with two, three, four, five, six, or even seven digits? An even more generous offer was once made by the God of the universe to a fledgling ruler of His people.
"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask what I shall give you.' " (2 Chronicles 1:7)
If we were Solomon, our heads no doubt would have been reeling with possibilities. Since there were no limitations to the offer, what could be requested of the God who Himself was without limits? Surely there would be need for time to sleep on such an offer. But, it appears from the Scripture text that Solomon was ready with a nearly immediate response:
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?" (2 Chronicles 1.10)
Solomon's immediate response was so well received that God granted Him the wealth, honor, and fame that he could easily have primarily sought. It sounds very similar to the "bonus" we can expect to receive from our Father when we seek the primary thing: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6.33)
God's gift of wisdom and knowledge to Solomon was, and is, unparalleled. But, this same God has a generous predisposition to all His children: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)
The real kicker is seeking that which is truly good. In spite of our sincerity, we can be seriously misguided in what we seek. Seeking mega millions in the next lottery, even with the intent of being benevolent with winnings, could thoroughly corrupt us if granted. God alone knows the ultimate outcome of that which we seek.
I've determined that the safest requests are those clearly outlined in the Bible. For that reason, I have the utmost confidence in praying the model prayer (Matthew 6.9-13). We can't go wrong is asking God to honor His name, and advance His kingdom on earth as in heaven. Seeking "daily bread", proportionate forgiveness as we forgive others, and deliverance from temptation and evil, are spot on.
God graciously extends a generous offer to us today. What will you choose to seek? Consider the ultimate good, seek it earnestly, and passionately pursue it with your Father today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask what I shall give you.' " (2 Chronicles 1:7)
If we were Solomon, our heads no doubt would have been reeling with possibilities. Since there were no limitations to the offer, what could be requested of the God who Himself was without limits? Surely there would be need for time to sleep on such an offer. But, it appears from the Scripture text that Solomon was ready with a nearly immediate response:
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?" (2 Chronicles 1.10)
Solomon's immediate response was so well received that God granted Him the wealth, honor, and fame that he could easily have primarily sought. It sounds very similar to the "bonus" we can expect to receive from our Father when we seek the primary thing: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6.33)
God's gift of wisdom and knowledge to Solomon was, and is, unparalleled. But, this same God has a generous predisposition to all His children: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)
The real kicker is seeking that which is truly good. In spite of our sincerity, we can be seriously misguided in what we seek. Seeking mega millions in the next lottery, even with the intent of being benevolent with winnings, could thoroughly corrupt us if granted. God alone knows the ultimate outcome of that which we seek.
I've determined that the safest requests are those clearly outlined in the Bible. For that reason, I have the utmost confidence in praying the model prayer (Matthew 6.9-13). We can't go wrong is asking God to honor His name, and advance His kingdom on earth as in heaven. Seeking "daily bread", proportionate forgiveness as we forgive others, and deliverance from temptation and evil, are spot on.
God graciously extends a generous offer to us today. What will you choose to seek? Consider the ultimate good, seek it earnestly, and passionately pursue it with your Father today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 8:17 AM
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