Solomon's Unseen Journey

"Good morning, everyone. Today, we're going to explore King Solomon's story. / Known for his Wisdom, there's more to his life than we often hear about. / Through 'Lessons from Solomon's Unseen Journey,' we'll uncover the deeper parts of his life. / Let me start with a story that might remind us of our journeys. /

It's about a soldier named John, who served in the Vietnam War. John was known among his peers for his courage and quick thinking. But many didn't know that John carried a small, worn-out Bible, a gift from his mother. / In the quiet moments away from the chaos of battle, John would read from this Bible, seeking comfort and guidance. / One night, under a canopy of stars, John found himself deeply moved by the story of Solomon asking for Wisdom. This story struck a chord in John's heart. /

During the war, where decisions meant life or death, John realized that true bravery wasn't just about physical acts of valor but also about making wise choices, seeking understanding, and leading with compassion. / This revelation didn't just help John in the war; it shaped his entire life after that. /

Now, as we delve into Solomon's story, think of John. / Think of how, like Solomon, we all have our unseen journeys, moments of quiet decision, of seeking Wisdom beyond our understanding. / We'll connect his experiences to our challenges and learn about leadership, spiritual growth, and the power of choices. / Let's discover how Solomon's story and John's reflection on it can teach us valuable lessons for today."

POINT 1: UNDERSTANDING THE WEIGHT OF LEADERSHIP

"Today, we're looking at a crucial part of the Bible, from the First Book of Kings, chapters 3, verses 5 to 9, and verse 12. / Here, Solomon, who's just become king, faces a huge decision. / He's young, just starting, and suddenly in charge of a whole country. / It's a big moment, full of both hope and nerves. / God comes to Solomon in a dream and says, 'Ask for anything you want.' / This isn't just a simple offer; it's a big moment that shows us what Solomon is really like and what he thinks is important as a king. / Let's get into this story and see how Solomon's answer to God teaches us about being wise and a good leader."

"Picture Solomon, new to being king, now responsible for the future of Israel. / He feels the weight of being a king, like a heavy backpack always on. / When he could have asked for anything — money, power, long life — he chooses something different. / In the middle of feeling scared and unsure, he asks for an understanding heart to make good decisions. / This choice shows a lot about Solomon. It shows he wants to be a good, fair leader more than he wants to be powerful or rich."

"Think about a leader today, maybe a principal or a boss, who has to make big decisions. / They might feel scared of making a wrong choice, just like Solomon did. / When they decide to listen to others and care about what's fair, they're being wise like Solomon."

"This tells us something important about being scared or feeling unsure. / Solomon's story shows us that it's okay to be scared. It doesn't mean you have to deal with it all by yourself. / When Solomon was scared about being king, he didn't just worry alone; he asked God for help to be wise. / This is what we can do, too. When we're scared or unsure, we can ask God for help. / Our weaknesses can become our strengths when we let God help us. / When we turn to God with our fears, He can turn them into Wisdom and help us make good choices."

"Now, let's see how Solomon found strength in his private prayers and thoughts, much like we can in our lives."

POINT 2: THE STRENGTH OF SECRET DEVOTIONS

Matthew 6:6 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

"As we ponder these words, let's remember Solomon, renowned for his Wisdom and impactful decisions. / Yet, it's likely that much of his Wisdom was nurtured in private moments with God, away from the public's eye. / These secret devotions, though unseen, were probably the cornerstone of his strength and insight. / Let's explore the power of our private moments with God, inspired by Solomon's example."

"Visualize a pilot flying over mountains, discovering a carefully tended, hidden garden. / This garden, cultivated in solitude, is a testament to someone's dedication and love. / Who created this oasis and why? Such questions lead us to the essence of secret devotion. / In our quiet times with God, we create a spiritual garden, a personal sanctuary for divine connection. / Like Solomon, our private devotions foster growth in faith and Wisdom, unseen but immensely significant."