2 Chronicles 1:7-13
Solomon Prays for Wisdom
7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 13 So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
I have been pondering writing this post for several days now. My primary motivation is that I want to encourage you as the year begins to take hope in God and in Christ as we get our classrooms and lesson plans ready for our kiddos.
I think this part of Solomon's story applies well to teachers. Or at least it has the potential to. Solomon knew his responsibility. He was king, the highest official in the land. He knew who put him there. God Himself. He did not ask for what kings naturally want. Money. Power. Long life to enjoy it.
Solomon asks the LORD for the true necessities that will help him in the office he has been entrusted with. The request is completely devoid of self. What makes the request truly right and pleasing was that it was a request from the heart. Solomon truly desired to rule with righteousness, just weights, and truth.
So, how does this tie in with teachers? We too have been entrusted with an office. We are teachers. We have been entrusted with children and young adults. We too need wisdom and knowledge to direct our students toward God and His ways. It is our joy! ["We are writing these things to you that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:4] Our administration only lasts as long as the student is in our care, and then it is gone.
Now, let's be honest. It is possible to know the right thing to request, and yet not have it reside in the heart. It was out of his heart that God saw the request spring forth. Let us be encouraged by what God's word tells us. We naturally desire, easy, well-behaved students who cause us little to no headaches.
James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change
Lets go before the Lord with a heart of honesty. Bring before him your deficiencies, leave them at the cross, and trust Him to guide you into the new year.
"Father in heaven, let me be a true blessing to my students this year. To all of them. Give me wisdom and knowledge to teach them and to point them to You and Your Son every day. I acknowledge my sin and self desire. I cast all my anxieties upon You for Your Word tells us that you care for us. Help me to walk the road You have called me to, for You are my help and strength. I wait for Your strength. May Your praise be found upon the lips of the students You have given me. In Jesus name, the name You love. Amen."
John Partridge
08/09/2019
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