1 Chronicles 22:12

New International Version (NIV)

May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.

For Meditation

Solomon is firmly established on the throne as king over Israel. Acting upon instructions from his father, the young king has cleared all the elements of opposition. Politically, Solomon is secure. It’s time for governance, and policies must be rolled out to establish himself on economics and other issues. Where does he start? Solomon calls “together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders”, and leads them to Gibeon to offer thanks to the Lord for establishing him as king after his father (2 Chron. 1:2-3). He has observed his father well. He has listened to his story, and one thing stood out for him. If he is to succeed as king of God’s people, God should be first in everything. Solomon therefore offers profusely on the altar at Gibeon in worship of the Most High, a thousand burnt offerings (6). Why, then, wouldn’t God be pleased with the young king? So, that night, God appears to Solomon and says to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you (2 Chron. 1:7).”

1. Now, how does the young king respond to such an open invitation from the Almighty God? Like a blank check in the hands of a teenage college kid, can you imagine the array of choices that danced before Solomon? What does he fall on for counsel?
2. Are you a father? Can you pay attention to the response of young Solomon at this critical moment before God: “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours (8-10)?”
3. What a man! But, where did that knowledge come from? How did Solomon come to know so much as to make such wise choice before God?
4. Remember David’s benediction when he charged Solomon with the temple project: “May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God  (1 Chron. 22:12-13)?” Can you hear this blessing ringing in Solomon’s ears at that critical moment before God (2 Chron. 1:7)?
5. Do you see David’s legacy to Solomon? Do you perceive the influence of a father’s counsel and benediction upon his children? In your sanctified imagination, can you hear David’s exclamation from his grave, “Yes!”? Isn’t that the joy of every father?

I pray that as Father’s Day approaches, all fathers may recognize the power in our counsel to our children, most especially, in these challenging times when the enemy is busy at the wheels of his deceptive craft. The words we pronounce and the counsel we give our children may sound frivolous at times, but when they stand to make critical choices in the future, never underestimate their influence on those minds.

So: May we bring up our children along the path of intimate fellowship with God; and may the blessings we pronounce on them become solid foundations for their choices in life, in Jesus’ matchless name. Amen!

Shalom