Sacrifices to sleeping gods | Wk. 3 | Kings of Summer

The story of Elijah’s bust-up with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is one of the most dramatic stories in Scripture. It’s got action, humor and suspense. Yet amongst all the theatrics it is a lesson in God’s unrivaled power and a call to unwavering faith in Him and His power to save. The story clforces us to examine the idols in our own lives and to place our trust fully in the living God - who you’ll never find sleeping on the job.

It is a time of national crisis in Israel. King Ahab, described as doing “more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him” (1 Kings 16:30), has led the nation into idolatry. Alongside his wife, Jezebel, Ahab promotes the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms.

Think Thor but way uglier than Hemsworth,

and much less Norse.

Jezebel actively persecutes God’s prophets, seeking to replace the worship of Yahweh with devotion to this angry god.

Think the original bad-lady stereotype,

It’s Jezebel.

Amid this mess, Elijah appears as a prophet of uncompromising faith. In obedience to God, Elijah declares a drought over the land, challenging Baal’s supposed power over rain and fertility. After three years of drought, God instructs Elijah to confront Ahab and the prophets of Baal, culminating in the showdown on Mount Carmel.

And boy, is it a title fight.

Cue the popcorn.

Elijah summons the people of Israel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, to Mount Carmel.

Standing before this massive assembly, Elijah calls them out:

“So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.” ‭‭I Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/114/1ki.18.20-21.NKJV

Elijah’s question cuts to the heart of their issue and ours. The Israelites are attempting to worship both Yahweh and Baal, a practice that reflects divided loyalty. This dual allegiance is unacceptable to God, who demands wholehearted devotion. The same question applies to us today: Are we wavering in our commitment to God, trying to serve Him while also chasing worldly idols?

You can’t watch porn and pursue the purity that Jesus asks of you.

You can’t love your neighbour and be jealous of all their stuff.

God wants our attention.

Our hearts.

Our sacrifice.

Elijah proposes a fight to settle the matter once and for all. It’s not how you’d imagine it - it’s more like that movie, the Prestige than a boxing match.

Two altars will be prepared—

One for Baal.

One for the Lord.

Each side will place a bull on their altar, but neither will light the fire. Instead, they will call on their respective gods, and the one who answers with fire will be shown to be the true God.

“Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”” ‭‭I Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/114/1ki.18.22-24.NKJV

The prophets of Baal begin their ritual early in the morning, calling out to their god, “Baal, answer us!” (v. 26). Hours pass with no response. They dance around the altar, shout louder, and even resort to cutting themselves, a common pagan practice meant to elicit a response from their deity. Despite their frantic efforts, “there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention” (v. 29).

Baal is sleeping.

Elijah taunts them.

He’d taunt us too.

Elijah would taunt us too, for our wasted sacrifices, to idols that only take.

Elijah suggests that Baal might be deep in thought or busy.

Like in the toilet, in the days before cellphones, when you had to read a book in their or be lost in your own thoughts for eternity.

His sarcasm highlights their (and our) ridiculousness - trusting in a powerless idol. Baal’s silence reminds us that false gods—whether ancient deities or modern-day idols like wealth, power, sex or success—cannot truly satisfy or save.

Now comes the good part.

The prophets of Baal have failed to rouse their master.

It’s Elijah’s turn.

When it is Elijah’s turn, he approaches the altar with calm confidence.

He rebuilds an altar to the Lord using twelve stones, symbolizing the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel. He places the bull on the altar and does something that would’ve seemed insane: he orders that the altar be drenched with water—so much that it fills a trench around it. He’s making it ‘harder’ for God and minimising any accusations of manipulation. He’s also using precious water, in the midst of a drought to do it!

“And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water. And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”” ‭‭I Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭27‬-‭37‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/114/1ki.18.27-37.NKJV

Immediately, fire falls from heaven, consuming the sacrifice

and the wood,

the stones,

soil,

and even the water.

The people fall on their faces yelling, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” (v. 39).

Takeaways on the beach.

Idols only take.

The prophets of Baal represent the futility of placing our trust in anything other than God. While we dont bow to literal idols (most of us), we often look to things like our jobs, relationships, material possessions, or personal achievements to give us meaning and security. These modern idols, like Baal, ultimately leave us empty and disappointed. Only God has the power to fulfill our deepest needs.

Are there areas where you are relying on something other than God for your sense of identity or security? How can you turn those areas over to Him?

God + Nothing = Everything

Elijah’s question, “How long will you waver between two opinions?” challenges us to examine our loyalties. Divided allegiance leads to spiritual stagnation. God desires our full commitment, not partial devotion. Jesus echoed this sentiment when He said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).

Are you lazy in your faith? Take time to recommit yourself fully to God, asking Him to help you live with undivided loyalty. It’s a new year. Perhaps this is the resolution you’ve been looking for - and it’s the only one that matters!

God’s still powerful

Fire breathing from heaven is a powerful reminder that God is not only real but also actively involved in our lives. He hears our prayers and demonstrates His faithfulness in ways that draw us closer to Him.

God responded to Elijah’s prayer,

He invites us to bring our needs,

fears,

and questions to Him,

trusting in His power to work in our lives.

I need to know God working in my life. I want to see that!

I need that power in my life.

We all need power. What situations in your life require a fresh encounter with God’s power? Bring them to Him in prayer, trusting that He will act, according to His will, and that your faith in Him would increase.

God’s heart is for you.

Elijah’s prayer reveals God’s ultimate purpose: to turn the hearts of His people back to Him. The on Mount Carmel is not merely about proving God’s existence; it is about restoring a broken relationship. God’s heart is always for redemption and reconciliation, and He continues to pursue us with relentless love.

In what ways is God calling you or someone you know back to Him? How can you partner with Him in that process?

The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal is more than a dramatic Netflix style historical account; it is a call to action. Just as Elijah stood boldly for God in the midst of opposition, we are called to stand for Him in our culture today. The gods of the world are as competitive as ever for humanity’s attention. They’re competitive but deeply flawed. They want our destruction and simply serve their own ends.

We must stand strong. This may mean confronting the idols in our own lives or speaking truth in love to those around us. It may mean stepping out in faith, trusting that God’s power will be revealed in our obedience.

Reflection Questions

1. What sleeping gods might be competing for your devotion to God?

2. How can you demonstrate wholehearted commitment to God in your daily life?

3. When have you experienced God’s power in a tangible way? How can you share that testimony with others?

Prayer

Lord, You alone are God, and there is no one like You. Forgive me for the times I have wavered in my faith or placed my trust in things other than You. Help me to stand boldly, just as Elijah did, and to trust in Your power as I see you at work in my life. Turn my heart fully toward You, and use me to draw others closer to You. Amen.

Cake or Death | Wk .2 | Kings of Summer

In the midst of a wild drought, God sends His prophet Elijah to Zarephath, to a widow who is preparing to die in a small town outside of Israel’s borders.

This is a bit weird, God.

Why not send Elijah to someone within his community, someone faithful who still follows Yahweh?

Why to a Gentile widow, ostracised both socially and economically?

God’s instructions demonstrate His endless compassion, reminding us that His care for humanity transcends our well manicured expectations and strategies. He provides for His people in ways that not only meet their needs but also reveal His power to the people in their lives and around them.

To the people watching on.

Elijah has already witnessed God’s ability to provide miraculously. He’s spent the last ‘while’ in an Oasis of sorts, being cared for by ravens while hiding out, by the brook Cherith.

(I have a friend named, Cherith. This must’ve been a pretty fantastic brook.)

Morning and evening, these birds bring him bread and meat. The brook eventually dries up, glamping is over for the season and God directs Elijah to Zarephath.

Zarephath is located in Sidon, an area under the rule of Jezebel’s father and steeped in Baal worship, a false god known for rain, storms and fertility.

For Elijah, this is very hostile territory. This drought, predicted by Elijah is a declaration of God’s intent against this false-god-worship.

However, God’s purposes are not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries. Elijah’s journey sets the stage for the extraordinary.

Back to the widow.

'So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”'

I Kings 17:10-11 NKJV https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.17.10-11

When Elijah meets the widow at the town gate, she is gathering sticks to prepare her last meal. She has resigned herself to a grim reality: after this meal, she and her son will die of starvation.

This is it. It is a most heartbreaking image, a single mother and her son preparing to die. This is the severity of this war on Baal and his cronnies.

Elijah’s request must have seemed both ridiculous and wildly insensitive.

Her response reveals her despair.

'So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

I Kings 17:12 NKJV https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.17.12

Notice her wording: the Lord your God. She recognises Elijah’s connection to the God of Israel but He is not her god. Her god has abandoned her and her boy to death.

False gods always will.

False gods only serve death and destruction.

'And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”'

I Kings 17:13-14 NKJV https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.17.13-14

Elijah response challenges the woman on a number of levels. He assures her that His God has promised to renew her supply of flour and oil until the drought ends. However, this promise hinges on her willingness to believe, to trust the God of this outsider and fugitive.

The widow’s obedience is incredible.

She could have easily dismissed Elijah’s request as unreasonable.

She should have. In any normal story. But this isn’t that. God doesn’t tell normal stories.

Giving away her last bit of food seems a bit dumb. However, she chooses to trust the prophet’s word, even though the promise must have sounded unbelievable. In doing so, she shows the very same faith Elijah has in God’s provision. It’s like he lends it to her!

For the widow, this Faith means releasing control of the little she has left, trusting that God will provide. Her faith is not rooted in certainty but in the hope that Elijah’s God will fulfill His promise. And God does not disappoint.

The flour and oil do not run out.

The widow, her son, and Elijah are sustained throughout the famine.

It’s more than just cake

God’s provision for the widow extends beyond food.

Through her encounter with Elijah, she experiences the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. Her initial acknowledgment of Elijah’s God as “your God” becomes deeper recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Later in the chapter, the widow’s son falls ill. He dies.

The death they were waiting for when she met Elijah comes for him.

Elijah is still there.

'Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?” And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives!”'

I Kings 17:17-23 NKJV https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.17.17-23

God’s provision is unlimited. It’s not insurance cover.

He meets our physical needs whilst calling us into a deeper relationship with Him. To trust him with even more.

The widow’s journey mirrors our stories.

The story God is writing with our lives.

Yours and mine. No more or less important.

Often, God uses our moments of greatest need to reveal His character and invite us to trust Him.

Takeaways at the beach

1. Trusting God in the Wilderness.

   The widow’s story challenges us to trust God with the little we have, even when it feels insufficient. Even when lost, broken, confused or overwhelmed. Whether it’s our time, resources, or energy, God asks us to release control and trust Him to multiply what we offer. This particularly sucks in seasons of scarcity.

   God’s faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances.

   Or our attitude.

   In what areas of your life do you feel depleted? Are you willing to trust God to provide, even when the outcome seems uncertain? Like the widow, you may find that faithfulness in winter becomes fruitfulness in Spring.

2. Invitation + Obedience = Blessing.

   The widow’s decision to obey Elijah’s invitation paved the way for God’s blessing. Her act of faith reminds us that obedience usually requires risk. God asks us to take steps that don’t make sense from our perspective.

   His ways are higher than ours.

   His promises are sure.

   Is there an area where God is calling you to obey, even though it feels risky, illogical or just wierd? Take courage in the example of the widow, invitation plus obedience creates blessing. The ability to see God moving in you, through you and around you in beautiful and suprising ways.

3. God’s Compassion is without end.

   By sending Elijah to a Gentile widow in Zarephath, God demonstrates His care for all people, regardless of nationality, status, or background. This story reminds us that God’s love is full and far-reaching. As followers of Jesus, we too are called to reflect this same compassion and invitation to grace in our interactions with others.

   Who in your life needs to experience the love and provision of God? How can you extend His compassion to those on the margins? Who can you invite deeper into the story God is writing, where full and far-reaching love abounds?

The widow’s story speaks to the faithfulness of a God who never runs dry. Just as He sustained her jar of flour and jug of oil, He promises to sustain us in our times of need.

His provision is not merely about meeting physical needs; it is an invitation to trust Him more deeply and see what he can do with our obedience.

Reflection Questions:

1. What resources—time, energy, finances—are you struggling to trust God with?

2. How might God be inviting you to take a step of obedience, even if it feels risky?

3. In what ways have you experienced God’s provision in your life? How can you use that story to encourage others?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being a God who provides. Help me to trust You with the little I have, knowing that You are able to bless it for Your glory. Teach me to obey Your voice, even when it requires risk. And may my life be an invitation of Your faithfulness, drawing others to obedience to You. Amen.

NOEL. my most favourite christmas carol that isn’t a christmas carol.

Grim was the world and grey last night:

The moon and stars were fled,

The hall was dark without song or light,

The fires were fallen dead.

The wind in the trees was like to the sea,

And over the mountains’ teeth

It whistled bitter-cold and free,

As a sword leapt from its sheath.

The lord of snows upreared his head;

His mantle long and pale

Upon the bitter blast was spread

And hung o’er hill and dale.

The world was blind,

the boughs were bent,

All ways and paths were wild:

Then the veil of cloud apart was rent,

And here was born a Child.

The ancient dome of heaven sheer

Was pricked with distant light;

A star came shining white and clear

Alone above the night.

In the dale of dark in that hour of birth

One voice on a sudden sang:

Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth

Together at midnight rang.

Mary sang in this world below:

They heard her song arise

O’er mist and over mountain snow

To the walls of Paradise,

And the tongue of many bells was stirred

in Heaven’s towers to ring

When the voice of mortal maid was heard,

That was mother of Heaven’s King.

Glad is the world and fair this night

With stars about its head,

And the hall is filled with laughter and light,

And fires are burning red.

The bells of Paradise now ring

With bells of Christendom,

And Gloria, Gloria we will sing

That God on earth is come.

I’m a Tolkien nerd. I love almost everything he’s written except the length of Biblo’s Birthday party and the existence of Tom Bombadil.

Hot take. Sorry, keep reading.

Noel is a tiny yet radiant star in the vast night sky of Tolkien’s creative genius. Short, sharp, and shining, its a little unlike Tolkien’s weightier works however, in true Tolkien fashion, it isn’t merely the inside of a Christmas Card but a micro-journey into the heart of creation’s story—a journey from grimness to glory, from grey skies to golden light, from despair to a hearth-warming hope.

“Grim was the world and gray last night”

Let’s admit it—Tolkien doesn’t sugarcoat the opening. This world is grim, grey, and downright dreary not unlike ours at times.

This is not your Hallmark Christmas Eve scene with snowflakes and jingling sleigh bells.

Tolkien’s stage is stark and shadowed, a place where hope feels like a distant dream. If we squint, we might recognise echoes of Advent here—a season of waiting, longing, and feeling the weight of the world’s brokenness.

Tolkien’s description is not just poetic melancholy; it’s a statement.

A theological statement even.

The world before Christ was incomplete, a painting with frayed edges and missing colours. Creation groaned for something—someone—to mend it.

'For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.' Romans 8:20-25 https://www.bible.com/bible/114/ROM.8.20-25

The “grim and gray” resonates with a Tolkien-esque theme found throughout his stories: the long defeat. Humanity struggles against a tide of darkness, yearning for a light.

But Tolkien doesn’t let us linger too long in the shadows—after all, this is Noel, not Mordor.

“But here is a star come out of the east”

The Star enters the chat: Tolkien’s star is not just a celestial christmas ornament; it’s the herald of something earth-shattering (and heaven-bringing). Like the Star of Bethlehem that led the Magi, this light is a signal flare from the divine, proclaiming that God is up to something extraordinary. The Fires of Gondor are lit.

For Tolkien, stars are not just stars.

They’re imbued with meaning, wonder, and a touch of the divine.

In The Silmarillion, we see how the stars are the first lights created by the Valar, a sign of beauty and hope in a darkened world. Here in Noel, the star represents revelation: the unveiling of a divine plan that has been quietly unfolding since the beginning of time.

'The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.' Psalms 19:1-5 https://www.bible.com/bible/114/PSA.19.1-5

Theologically, the star also reminds us that God works through creation. The heavens declare the glory of God, and in this moment, a single star becomes a sacramental sign—a small, visible thing pointing to an infinite, invisible yet beautiful reality.

“A thousand fires and hearths shall burn”

Tolkien is a master at weaving the cosmic into the intimate, and this line is where the poem get hot—literally! For many of us the closest we get to a hearth is a Youtube video playing on the TV. The light of the star doesn’t stay distant in the heavens; it touches the earth, igniting fires in a thousand fireplaces (or TV’s). The hearth, the heart of the home, becomes a symbol of Christ’s transformative power.

There’s something profoundly ordinary about this line, and that’s what makes it extraordinary. The Incarnation is God stepping into the mundane: eating bread, drinking water, sleeping in a manger (wildly itchy), and—let’s face it—getting his nappy changed.

The divine light doesn’t just shine in palaces or temples; it reaches hearths, where families gather and lives are lived.

Tolkien’s fires are also communal. It’s not one hearth that burns; it’s a thousand. The Incarnation spreads joy like wildfire, igniting hearts and homes across the world. This is Tolkien’s vision of grace - not confined,

not static,

but contagious and creative.

“For joy at the birth of Christ their King”

And here it is: the climax of the poem and the heart of Christmas.

The King has arrived!

This isn’t a king in velvet robes or golden armor;

this is a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough. Tolkien, of course, loved a paradox, and Christ’s kingship is the ultimate one.

The King in Noel is the fulfilment of centuries of longing, yet he arrives in the humblest way imaginable.

This is a kingship not marked by domination but by self-giving love.

For Tolkien, this image of kingship was deeply personal. Christ as the King of creation, the Lord of time, and yet also the suffering servant who wears a crown of thorns.

Tolkien’s use of the word “joy” here is crucial. Joy, for him, is not mere happiness; it is the profound and piercing gladness that comes when heaven and earth meet. It’s the “eucatastrophe,” the sudden and miraculous turn in the story when all is made right. The eagles in the dying moments of Mount Doom’s destruction.

The Invitation of Wonder

At its heart, Noel is a hymn to wonder. It’s a Christmas Carol or short story inviting our imagination to soar.

Tolkien doesn’t bog us down with theology lectures or over-explained symbolism. Instead, he gives us a star, a fire, and a King—and invites us to marvel, and to fill in the space.

For Tolkien, wonder is not an escape from reality but a deeper invitation to it. The Incarnation is the ultimate wonder: the Creator becoming a creature, the infinite entering the finite, the eternal Word speaking as a baby who cannot yet do anything but coo, babble and cry.

This sense of wonder permeates all of Tolkien’s work. Whether it’s Frodo marvelling at the beauty of Lothlórien or Sam gazing at a single star in Mordor (Hello!),Tolkien’s characters are constantly drawn to moments of awe.

In Noel, that awe is directed toward the greatest miracle of all: God with us.

Noel doesn’t just leave us staring at the star; it draws us into its light.

The fires in a thousand hearths suggest that the Incarnation is not just something to admire—it’s something to live. Tolkien’s poem reminds us that Christmas is not about nostalgia or sentimentality; it’s about transformation. The light of Christ is meant to illuminate our lives, turning our hearts into hearths that burn with love, hope, and joy.

Ultimately, Noel is a gift. Like the star it describes, the poem points beyond itself to the true gift of Christmas: the Word made flesh - Jesus. In Tolkien’s view, the Incarnation is the greatest eucatastrophe—the turning point of history when all of creation is redeemed. It’s the moment when the grimness of the world is pierced by a light that will never be extinguished.

As we read Noel, we are invited to pause, to wonder, and to let its light warm our own hearts. Tolkien, ever the storyteller, leaves us with a tale worth retelling.

A tale we must retell—a tale of grim beginnings, radiant stars, and the greatest joy the world has ever known.

All I want for Christmas is Wisdom | Wk.1 | Kings of Summer

When King Solomon ascended to the throne, he faced the daunting task of leading a nation chosen by God. He was young and inexperienced, but he had the opportunity to ask God for anything.

Can you imagine it?

Admit it. You have - it just wasn’t God you imagined talking too.

It was a genie.

This only happens in day dreams, right?

Apparently not.

Solomon’s request for wisdom rather than wealth, power, or long life or ‘more wishes’ reveals what matters most in leadership and life: aligning our heart with God’s purpose and promise.

You want to get somewhere? You just might get ‘there’ if ‘there echoes God’s heart.

Solomon’s request for wisdom takes place early in his time as king. The passage begins with Solomon traveling to Gibeon to offer sacrifices. At this time, the temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built, so Gibeon served as an important place for worship. Solomon’s offering of a thousand burnt offerings makes clear his devotion to God and his recognition of the epic scale of his responsibilities (and the awareness associated.)

'Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”'

I Kings 3:4-9 https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.3.4-9

That night, God appears to Solomon in a dream, saying, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (v5). Imagine the weight of that moment. The Creator of the universe offers Solomon a blank check, an unlimited opportunity to ask for anything. What would you ask for?

Riches, fame, safety, or something else?

Solomon’s answer is both humble and remarkable.

In his response, Solomon acknowledges his limitations. He refers to himself as “only a little child” (v. 7), recognising his inexperience and inadequacy for the role he has been given. Despite being the king, Solomon demonstrates a humility that contrasts sharply with the arrogance often associated with power and youth. This humility is the foundation of Solomon’s request. He know who he is and more importantly WHOSE he is.

Solomon also acknowledges God’s faithfulness to his father, David. He reflects on how God showed “great kindness” to David and allowed his lineage to continue through Solomon. By grounding his prayer in gratitude and humility, Solomon demonstrates an understanding of God’s character and a dependence on His guidance.

Instead of asking for personal gain, Solomon asks for a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9). His focus is not on himself but on the task God has given him. Solomon recognises that leadership requires wisdom—not just knowledge or experience, but the ability to apply God’s principles in complex situations.

'The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord , offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.'

I Kings 3:10-15 https://www.bible.com/bible/114/1KI.3.10-15

This request pleases God. He not only grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom but also adds blessings Solomon did not ask for: wealth, honour, and the promise of a long life if Solomon remains walking with him as David did.

Why Wisdom?

Solomon’s request teaches us the value of prioritising wisdom over wealth or personal comfort. Wisdom, rooted in a relationship with God, equips us to navigate life’s challenges in a way that honours Him.

It is more than intelligence or cleverness; it is the ability to align our decisions with God’s will and reflect His character in our actions.

It will help you look both intelligent and clever.

But it wont be your doing.

In today’s world, the pursuit of wealth, status, and success often overshadows the pursuit of godly wisdom. We are bombarded with messages that equate happiness with stuff or huge achievement. Yet Solomon’s example reminds us that true fulfillment comes from God’s guidance and living according to His purposes.

Takeaways at the beach

1. Humility first

   Solomon’s acknowledgment of his need for God’s help is a powerful reminder that humility is the foundation of wisdom.

   Proverbs 9:10 echoes this truth: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” When we approach God with a humble heart, recognising our dependence on Him, we open ourselves to His guidance.

   Are there areas in your life where pride is preventing you from seeking God’s wisdom? Ask Him to cultivate a heart of humility within you.

2. Wisdom For Others

   Solomon’s wisdom was not for his benefit alone but for the good of the people he served. Godly wisdom enables us to make decisions that bless others and advance His kingdom.

   People are watching us, learning from us, interacting with us.

   As parents, leaders, coworkers, or friends, our choices have ripple effects.

   By seeking wisdom, we lead lives that point others to Christ.

   Consider the influence you have on those around you. How might seeking God’s wisdom enable you to serve and bless others more effectively?

3. You Don’t Come 2nd Putting God 1st.

   Solomon’s story demonstrates that when we prioritise God’s will over our own desires, He is faithful to provide what we need—and often more.

   It doesn’t mean we will always receive material blessings, God is not a get rich quick scheme but it does mean that God’s provision will be sufficient for all He calls us to.

   What are your priorities? Are they aligned with God’s purposes, or are they centered on personal gain? Trust that when you put His kingdom first, everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).

Solomon’s request for wisdom is a model for our own prayers. Too often, my prayers focus on immediate needs or the things I want from God, or just from life.

There is nothing wrong with bringing our needs to God, but Solomon’s example encourages us to pray with a broader perspective. Instead of asking only for what we want, we should seek what we need to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.

Seek the Kingdom first.

When was the last time you prayed for wisdom? Whether you’re facing a major decision this summer or simply navigating the challenges of daily life, God invites you to seek His guidance. James 1:5 offers a beautiful promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of your life do you need godly wisdom?

2. How can you cultivate humility and dependence on God in your daily decisions, especially while on summer holidays?

3. Are there priorities in your life that need to be realigned with God’s purposes as we head into the new year?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Solomon’s humility and wisdom. Teach me to seek Your guidance in every area of my life, prioritising Your will over my desires. Help me to lead and serve others with wisdom that reflects Your character. Guard my heart against distractions and temptations, and keep me firmly rooted in Your truth. Amen.