JANUARY 18, 2024
Topic: THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE IS POWERFUL
Text: 1Kings 3:1-15
Memory Verse: 1Kings 3:5- “In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.”
King Solomon, the son of Bathsheba became king, only by the grace of God. The position traditionally would go to the eldest living son Adonijah, as brothers Amnon and Absalon had already died, but the Lord made Solomon king. At the crucial beginnings of his kingship, God poses this generous question, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” The divine question is particularly powerful because considering the circumstances regarding the royal succession from his father David. Solomon was not the heir apparent to the throne, but God was pleased with him.
All through the scriptures, there was no one to whom God gave such a blank cheque. The presence of God is not for those whose lives are not pleasing to God. Solomon also responded by not asking about things he would use to legitimize his throne, such things as riches and honour, long life, or death of his enemies. However, he asked and said to God “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people” (verse 9) God then added riches and honour to him,
As we go out today, the presence of God is a game changer, because the presence of God ushers us into a powerful manifestation of God’s abundant harvest, protection from pestilence and adequate rainfall, and a life of dependence on God. Furthermore, the presence of God is so powerful that it can move a person from a “my life” to a “we life”. King Solomon was no longer thinking of himself but rather, he was thinking of his people.
Prayer: Our Father, we thank you because we are only living by grace, help us to know that when we have you, we have everything and help us to depend on you at all times.