Will Smith’s portrayal of the genie in the movie Aladdin is something that caused many to tilt their head at. Of course no one can do as well as Robin Williams, but do you think Will Smith did a good job in this role? Now this idea of a genie, granting three wishes is known in our culture, but did you know that this is similar to what happened in the story of Solomon?
The Bible says that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” (2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon replied, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:11). Here Solomon could have asked for anything he wanted gold, honor, or a new chariot. Instead he asked for wisdom and knowledge.
I like how the Jubilee Bible recounts this story; it says that Solomon asked for a, “hearing heart” (1 Kings 3:9). Not only did he ask for wisdom, but he asked for the gift of listening. Solomon was a king, and many times the people of his nation would bring their problems to him, and he wanted to have the right answer. Not only did he ask for wisdom, but he asked for the gift of listening.
On the cross Jesus did something that many people, at that time, did not understand. He stood in the gap and took all of our sins on the cross. Now because of what He has done, we can have wisdom and salvation. Will you receive that finished work today? The Bible says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 15:31). No works required, all you need is faith. Place your life in God’s hands. He is full of wisdom, knowledge, and life.
Sometime in life we seek out popularity, wealth, or long life. Yet in the story of Solomon, he was asking for wisdom. May we all make this wise decision and choose a hearing heart as one of the main foundations of our life. I love how 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom” He is our resource for knowledge. Jesus became to us wisdom. He is our life. Take time out of your day to learn from God. Have a, “hearing heart” towards Him. Keep listening to His love and hope.