Genies

I remember as a kid watching the popular movie "Aladdin" numerous times. Aladdin was a little blue genie that became a part of the main character's life once he found a golden "thing" (don't know the actual name) and a genie popped out. The genie was able to grant wishes.

I also remember as a kid the popular television show I Dream of Genie. I loved that show. I loved how they could make things happen and would make the coolest things take place.

I was surprised when I found out that 2 Chronicles 1 you see a genie type scenario play out between Solomon and God. It's really quite interesting and worth you time to study and read the entire chapter, because I will only highlight a few parts here.

"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, 'Ask what I shall give you." (2 Chronicles 1:7)
WOW! Sometimes I really wish God would ask me that. I could think of a lot of things. In fact as soon as I read that verse earlier this morning, my mind began to wander towards the areas that I would ask for. A boat, a chance to meet Steve Spurrier, my mortgage to be paid off, my child to be super successful... In fact, YOU are probably thinking of some things right now! But continue reading, because Solomon's response kicked me right in the diaphragm!

"Give me now wisdom and knowledge..." (1:10)
Ouch. As I thought through what I wanted, I realized something after reading this verse - all that I would ask for benefited me personally in some way. But, Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge, and if you read the rest of the verses and the context of the scriptures you see the reason for the request: to help lead the people that God has given him. It would benefit him, sure, but it would even more greatly benefit those whom he is leading.

Oh that I would come to that heart/realization. I think there's a lot of us that think we have all the knowledge/wisdom we could possibly bear when in all reality - God has placed us in specific/strategic places of leadership and wisdom/knowledge is exactly what we need! I don't believe that Solomon was just asking for a one time blessing/filling of knowledge/wisdom... I believe Solomon was realizing that the type of wisdom knowledge he needed would be a daily process of following God's leading.

All too often God's leading is compromised for our feeling. Don't let your mind overrule your heart, the place of God's residence. See, God is asking us what He could give us - but He wants it to be with the right heart... why do I say that? Check this out:
"God said to Solomon, 'Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge...wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed..." (1:11-12)

So, because of Solomon's HEART in the request God not only granted his request of knowledge and wisdom but He also blessed him with even more riches wealth and honor! Here's what I'm learning - the more wisdom and knowledge I obtain through the following of the Holy Spirit, the more I understand true riches, actual wealth, and the definition of honor.

May we all, together, learn to understand the importance of knowledge and wisdom and the incredible consistent process that is included in this!

Lord, give me YOUR heart to teach me the knowledge needed, and the wisdom desired!