“The King went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, ….. and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:4-5)
Solomon had just been crowned king in succession to his father and the first thought that came to him was to offer God a thousand burnt offerings. King Solomon could have begun his reign by throwing a party or hosting a banquet like most leaders do these days, but he chose to honour God first “...because you[God] have given him[king David] a son to sit on his throne this very day.” (v6b)
God was pleased with Solomon’s gesture and that night God spoke to Solomon in a dream: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’ Of all the things that Solomon could have asked for, he asked God: “So give to your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (v9)
God’s instant response: “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have you asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (v10)
How do we ask? When we give priority to the advancement of God’s work on earth, God will meet all our needs.
“Put the kingdom of God first, and every other thing will be added to it.” (Matt.6:33)