1 Kings 3-4
Solomon’s humility at the start of his reign impresses me. The Bible doesn’t say how old he was. The assumption, however, based on other information in scripture, is that he was likely about 20 years old when he inherited the throne.
Most people at the age of 20 have no idea what they don’t know. Given the kind of power and prestige that Solomon just received, most 20 year old heads would instantly swell to at least twice their original size. Their eyes would grow large trying to take in all they could have in their newfound greatness. They would revel in the prospect of having all those people at their beck and call and would stand smugly in their own importance. Not so with Solomon. When God came to him in a dream and offered him anything he asked, Solomon readily admitted his own weakness. He told God that he was “but a child” and did not know how to go out or come in.
Rather than focusing on how important he was, the enormity of the responsibility that was now his was at the forefront of Solomon’s mind. And rather than considering what he could gain with his prestige and power, he was concerned with doing right by the people whose lives were now in his hands. So Solomon asked, not for fame and fortune or greatness and glory, but for an understanding mind so that he could discern between good and evil to govern God’s people with justice. Just wow. May I take on any task that God gives me – big or small – with the same God-focused humility that I see here in Solomon!
Also note how God met Solomon’s request in abundance. God gave wisdom beyond measure – far more than what Solomon expected, I’m sure. Then He gave all that Solomon did not ask for as well. God is good.
Prov. 1
Solomon received wisdom from God, freely and abundantly, and he freely shared that wisdom with whomever would seek it. Imagine – the wisdom of Solomon, who was wise like no other, is mine to seek. And better yet, Solomon points me to the source of his wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov 1:7).
I find that the more I learn about God, the more I stand in awe of Him. Fools despise wisdom and instruction because they have no knowledge of God, nor do they desire any. It is that deep sense of how small I am and how great God is that keeps me walking steadfastly in His way. However, we must seek that “fear of the LORD” daily, lest the cares and concerns of this world loom larger in our perspective than they actually are and entice us down the wrong path.
John 19:1-22
Back to the question of Pilate – I actually have some hope for the man. I can see that he made an effort to get Jesus released. I also know that he could have tried harder. It is obvious, however, that the people were playing politics with him. They were taking full advantage of the precarious nature of his position with Rome. I somehow question the sincerity of their claim that they had no king but Caesar.
But two things stand out to me on Pilate’s behalf in this situation. First, when the Jews said that Jesus needed to die because He had made Himself the Son of God, Pilate was afraid. More afraid, actually, as he somehow seemed to know that he was being thrust into something far greater than himself.
Second is Jesus’ statement to him. “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” Pilate happened to be the one in the position that was ‘needed’ to bring the crucifixion of Jesus about. So Pilate was an unwitting part of God’s great Plan. Jesus’ statement seems to me to indicate that God did not lay full accountability on the man He chose to use for His purpose. I get the sense that God left the door open for forgiveness and redemption should Pilate choose to take it.
I also appreciate that Pilate wrote what he did on Jesus’ cross and did not apologize for it. And I really hope that the full truth of what he wrote sunk deep into his heart and, at some point in his life, changed him. I won’t know until the day I meet Jesus face to face myself. Ultimately I realize that the answer matters little to my life. But, for whatever reason, the question will continue to hold a place of hopeful curiosity in my heart.