1 Kings 3:3-15: Summary:King Solomon has recently ascended to the throne of Israel. As he remembers all God has done for his father, and reflects on the task ahead, he recognizes he is in desparate need. God's people need God's wisdom to live in the promised land. They need a wise leader to provide continuing security and peace for them. So Solomon, rather than seeking his own glory, pleas for discernment to govern well. In this way, he points to Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God that created everything, and the presence of God, mediating for God's people. Despite Solomon's many failures as a king, he points us to the the value God places on his people, and the benefits of wisdom worked out for their good.

Sermon Outline

Reading the story

Engaging the story

The good

The bad

The ugly

Redeeming the story