Solomon could ask for anything. He chose to ask for wisdom to lead. God said he knew Solomon’s heart and greatest desire.
In Luke, the Pharisees scoffing. Indignant. Mocking.
“You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What the world honors is detestable in the sight of God,” Jesus said. Luke 15:16 (NLT), emphasis mine.
1 John 1:8, If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.
In my twenties, it was my defense, “I’m a good person.” I know a lot of good people, Christian or not. But while I thought of myself as good, I think I would be surprised to know what others thought of me. Especially the ones who didn’t think much of me. Didn’t I want to appear righteous in public? My identity defined by the whim of another’s thought.
These years, God has shown me glimpses of this heart–held it out for me to see, told me to look even when it was painful. So I could repent, so I could walk with him. When an enemy would flame with words, criticism, condemnation–the Lord corrects in love, stands with me in my retching admission, forgives.
18 Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
19 Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:18-19
Man would say, “Please me. Answer to me. Conform to me and gain my approval.” All at his whim.
God the eternal wants fellowship, relationship, and my very heart.
Father, it’s comforting and frightening that you know me so well (and that you love me anyway). I’ve been forgiven by you, grace poured down, soul set free … I am grateful to receive–a quenching, satisfying delight. You know my prayer; you know my struggle; you know my heart.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 