1 Kings 3:16-23
A question with no good answer. This is what faced Solomon early in his reign. A question if judged wrongly would strip a mother of her child and a child of her mother. True justice (the right answer) is what is needed but justice often is perverted to meet the needs of society or selective groups. Solomon is in a tense situation as how he judges this case will set a precedent for his reign. These women are harlots; these boys were born out of societal norms. These are the people that society overlooks and often mistreats. Here in front of the king, these women plead their case. One desperate to keep her son, another unmercifully trying to steal what is rightfully not hers. Solomon could have avoided this case. Why risk the king’s reputation for a couple of harlots?
Making good decisions under pressure requires spiritual maturity. Jesus faced a similar question in John 8:1-11. A woman supposedly caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. Notice that the man is not brought to face the accusation of the religious leaders. Again, we see a difficult decision needs to be made. If Jesus rules that she committed adultery, then she is to be killed by stoning. The question is not whether she is innocent or not, it is what the punishment will be. The woman was supposedly caught in the act; therefore punishment was required. This seems like a perfect trap the Pharisees have laid. To choose to stone her would be breaking Roman law. To choose to release her would break Old Testament law. The trap is set.
Jesus and Solomon faced two different but equally difficult and pressure filled decisions. The solutions to both of these questions are stunning. Solomon puts the life of the child on the line to reveal the sacrificial nature of the mother. The real mother would rather see her child live with another mother than face execution. This solution is one of spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ case “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her,” (John 8:7 ESV). The accusers left, one by one, unwilling to execute judgment. Jesus doesn’t condemn her but encourages her to sin no more. Again, spiritual maturity rules the day.
Solomon was given a choice of what he wanted most in this world. He asked God for wisdom. Not fame and riches but wisdom. Spiritual discernment to make the right godly decision came from that prayerful reflection wanting and asking for God’s wisdom. Spiritual maturity comes from taking time to learn and know God’s Word. It comes from prayerful reflection on Biblical principles. This means I need regular time in God’s Word and for prayer. Not as an afterthought but time to learn and grow. It also challenges me to use what I learn in everyday life. Knowledge tested and used in real life turns into discernment and wisdom. You must “walk the talk” or it doesn’t change you. Difficult decisions are always hard but with spiritual maturity and discernment the proper answer is easier to find.
Making good decisions under pressure requires spiritual maturity. Jesus faced a similar question in John 8:1-11. A woman supposedly caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. Notice that the man is not brought to face the accusation of the religious leaders. Again, we see a difficult decision needs to be made. If Jesus rules that she committed adultery, then she is to be killed by stoning. The question is not whether she is innocent or not, it is what the punishment will be. The woman was supposedly caught in the act; therefore punishment was required. This seems like a perfect trap the Pharisees have laid. To choose to stone her would be breaking Roman law. To choose to release her would break Old Testament law. The trap is set.
Jesus and Solomon faced two different but equally difficult and pressure filled decisions. The solutions to both of these questions are stunning. Solomon puts the life of the child on the line to reveal the sacrificial nature of the mother. The real mother would rather see her child live with another mother than face execution. This solution is one of spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ case “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her,” (John 8:7 ESV). The accusers left, one by one, unwilling to execute judgment. Jesus doesn’t condemn her but encourages her to sin no more. Again, spiritual maturity rules the day.
Solomon was given a choice of what he wanted most in this world. He asked God for wisdom. Not fame and riches but wisdom. Spiritual discernment to make the right godly decision came from that prayerful reflection wanting and asking for God’s wisdom. Spiritual maturity comes from taking time to learn and know God’s Word. It comes from prayerful reflection on Biblical principles. This means I need regular time in God’s Word and for prayer. Not as an afterthought but time to learn and grow. It also challenges me to use what I learn in everyday life. Knowledge tested and used in real life turns into discernment and wisdom. You must “walk the talk” or it doesn’t change you. Difficult decisions are always hard but with spiritual maturity and discernment the proper answer is easier to find.
Posted in Devotional