Solomon The Servant Leader
1 Kings 3:9-12 (ESV)
'Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?' It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.'
In these verses Solomon has just taken over the reign of Israel from his father David.
I can't imagine how he must have been feeling. Solomon has some big shoes to fill: his father David was loved by his people and God greatly favoured him because of his faithfulness to God (despite the odd well-documented mistake!). Solomon was also young; he describes himself as being a child earlier in this chapter. He voices some of his concern about being up to the task - ‘for who is able to govern this your great people’.
But here is the key question: why is he concerned? The overriding issue for Solomon is how his governing will affect the people. Not his reputation or power or status, but rather the well-being of those he has been chosen to govern. This is what God responds to, Solomon’s humility despite his position of power.
Solomon recognises his weakness, brings it before God and asks for God’s help in order that he can better serve his people. Later in this chapter Solomon passes his first judgment as king - it is so full of wisdom that people recognise the hand of God on Solomon’s life.
People often refer to Solomon as ‘Solomon the Wise’ but that wisdom came from his heart to serve his people - he is Solomon the Servant Leader!
We all have areas of responsibility whether at home, work, school, university. What do we need in those contexts in order to serve the people around us and help them flourish? Let’s recognise where we need help from God in every situation and ask for him to help us and give us everything we need to serve others.
Prayer — God, I thank you that you are the ultimate servant leader. I thank you that you respond to Solomon’s desire to serve his people. Please help me to recognise how I can better serve in my context and give me the gifts I need to encourage the flourishing of those around me.