Heart Prep:
As King David neared the end of his life, he desired for his son, Solomon, to walk in God’s ways, obey His commands, and honor the Lord as he continued their family line on Israel’s throne. In 1 Kings 3, Solomon responded to God in his dream by recalling how his father walked in God’s ways. Solomon told God that he was inexperienced and just a youth. Solomon’s humble request for wisdom pleased God, and He generously bestowed Solomon with wisdom, wealth, and honor. Solomon’s request for wisdom revealed a heart that desired to esteem God by governing His people and discerning between good and evil. Still, the wisdom of Solomon pales in comparison to the wisdom of Christ. Jesus fully embodied wisdom by perfectly fearing and obeying the Lord. Reflect on the wisdom of God offered to us through Jesus Christ. Consider His gift of wisdom in your own life as you have matured in your faith. Pray for the Lord to open children’s hearts to their need for not only wisdom, but the salvation that grows our wisdom as we continue to walk in the Lord’s ways.
Message:
When David had grown old, he called for his son Solomon to give him this message: “Be strong, my son, and keep your promise to the Lord to walk in His ways and obey His commandments. If you do, you will have success in everything you do, and the Lord will keep His promise to our family.” Then David died, and Solomon became king over Israel. One night, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Ask. What should I give you?” Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to my father David because he was faithful to You and had a right heart before You. You have continued to show faithful love to him by giving him a son to sit on his throne. “You have now made me king in my father’s place. But I have no experience in leadership. I am younger than most of the people I lead. So, give me a heart to judge the people and tell the difference between good and evil.” The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request. He said, “Because you have asked for wisdom to lead well instead of long life or riches, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart. You will be wiser than anyone who has ever lived before. In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor. If you walk in my ways and keep my commands, I will give you a long life.” Solomon woke up and realized it was a dream. He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant, and presented burnt offerings.
Main Point:
God gave Solomon wisdom to lead His people. Jesus is wisdom, and He leads those who trust in Him to eternal life. When we follow Jesus, we become wise.
Discussion:
Why did Solomon ask God for wisdom? Why do we need wisdom?
Remind kids that Solomon realized he was too young and inexperienced to be able to lead God’s people in his own knowledge. He also recognized that God is the source of true and lasting wisdom. He wanted a heart that was able to judge between good and evil. We also need wisdom to be able to judge what is right from evil. Only a heart that has been changed by Jesus can truly be wise. Read Psalm 111:10.
Why is wisdom better than riches?
Discuss how wisdom from God leads to life. God tells us what is true: we are all sinners. He also gives us knowledge on how to be saved: trust in Jesus. When we wisely act upon that knowledge and trust in Jesus, we are saved from our sin and given eternal life. Read Proverbs 3:13-16.
How can we gain wisdom?
Encourage kids to remember that God desires to give us wisdom so we can live rightly for His glory. We can pray to God and ask, by faith, for the wisdom that only He provides. God’s wisdom helps us when we are in hard times, keeps us from evil, and helps us become more like Jesus. Read James 1:5.
