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It is a wisdom book, and he is the wisest man to ever live.  You would be right to think King Solomon, but the book we are reading this week would likely not be the one which came to mind.  That book would be Proverbs — a single chapter of which we have encouraged you to compliment your daily Bible reading with this year.  Such incredible wisdom granted and gifted by God himself to a single man; a man who was asked a defining question.

As the book of 1 Chronicles comes to a close and 2 Chronicles begins, we read the story of a kingly transition.  King Solomon is taking the throne from his father, David, and visits the tabernacle to offer burnt offerings to God.  That same night God appears to Solomon and asks him a bold and definitive question.

“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
2 Chronicles 1:7b (NIV)

I wonder if you have ever played a “genie-in-a-bottle, grant you three wishes” type game before  Have you ever considered what you would do if you won the lottery?  Have you ever framed these questions in a God-context?  What if God appeared to you and gave you the exact same offer He gave to Solomon?  What would your answer be?

Scripture records Solomon’s answer in 2 Chronicles 2:10…

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? (NIV)

The circumstances which brought King David and his son Solomon to this moment were less than ideal or godly.  The story of succession reads a bit like the script of a “reality” TV show.  But in ascending to the throne and taking the mantle of leadership, Solomon shows incredible humility and godly character.  This is God’s response…

God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people, I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NLT)

God honors Solomon’s heart.  He not only graciously and abundantly grants Solomon’s request, but also blesses him with wealth and fame as the world had never seen before (or since).  God saw through to Solomon’s heart and genuine desire to be equal to the task of leading His chosen people.  He responded by throwing open the doors to the full measure of His infinite storeroom and gifted Solomon a lavish fraction.

All this year we have been considering biblical characters from the premise that their story is our story.  While there can be only one King Solomon, I believe God asks us all that defining question…

“What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (NLT)

There can only ever be one you as well.  Do you believe God created you for the magnitude of purpose which he created King Solomon?  If not, why not?  If not, then what do you do with the words of Jesus from John 14:12-14?

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (NIV)

King Solomon answered humbly and truly when God came asking.  He desired wisdom above all else, and God gave that and much more in a supply, the likes of which, the world has never seen.  Is God that big in your life?  Do you believe He comes asking, and do you have the faith to answer in a way that also believes He’ll do it?  If not, why not?