Walk Of Life – Day 14, October 2022 – Thoughts From The Book Of Psalms.
Psalm 72
“Give the king thy judgments, O God… He shall judge thy people with righteousness and thy poor with judgment.”
This psalm is written by King Solomon, the son of King David. Even a Sunday school going kid identifies King Solomon for his wisdom. Many of his life’s instances have been published as stories and lessons in many school text books. When Solomon got an opportunity to ask of the Lord, he did not desire anything that is for himself, but asked for the people of God. Kingship was not just a position/ rank/ means to luxury for Solomon, it was a big responsibility and a duty to be performed having the fear of the Lord.
In 1 Kings Chapter 3, we read Solomon’s amusing prayer. We call it amusing because Solomon could have asked for many things, but his choice seemed completely different. We all would be having an unending list of desires, all we keep looking for is a person who would love to say the words which the Lord said unto Solomon – “Ask, what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s response to the offer he had received teaches us many lessons.
Solomon begins his reply by praising God for His help towards his father, King David during his rule. This shows us that Solomon had been observing his father not just as a King, but even more than that. He saw his father’s love, respect towards the Lord. He saw how his father kept receiving guidance, mercy from the Lord. He had been observing the heart of his father towards God and God’s heart and blessing towards his father.
This could make it evident that Solomon must be knowing a lot about a kingship. He could have simply followed his father’s footsteps as he had observed. However, his reference to himself as a little child amazes us. His humble nature and desire to learn from God shows how wise he is in knowing the true channel of guidance.
What he has asked for? Many of the stories end by saying he asked for wisdom and God made him a wise man. This is not the true story. Solomon did not ask for wisdom to become the world’s wisest man for all generations. His desire had a motive that shows his love towards God’s people. He wanted understanding, righteousness and judgment, not to glorify himself, but to rule God’s people. He knew it very well that he cannot be doing as he likes, just because he has become the king. He wanted to be under the subjection of the Lord, and learn everything from Him and do everything as He like for His people.
Are we having this concern for the people of God this day? We might think we are not kings and queens in today’s world to rule over people. Ruling does not mean making people work under you. Ruling is to take care of people and their needs. We live in the Church as members of Christ. How is our heart towards believers? Are our prayers, desires concerned only about self-glorification? Are we thinking about glorifying God? Like Solomon, let us carry the burden for God’s people, our fellow brothers and sisters. Let us pray that God might make us able and use us in His way to edify His people.
