One of my friends from law school founded a politically oriented non-profit and was invited to attend the inauguration this week. He took his three teenaged children and his mother and even the kids seemed to understand that this was the trip of a lifetime. I have followed his posts on Facebook, and Jonathan, wearing his flag bow tie and his flag scarf (not at the same time) could not have been more thrilled.
As one of our nation’s most-celebrated national events, the inauguration of the president of the United States is attended with a great deal of pomp and circumstance. The president-elect begins the day at a “morning prayer service” at a Washington D.C. church. Then his team moves to the Washington Mall for the formal inauguration—or the Capitol Rotunda, if the events are moved indoors.
Former presidents will be there. All of the movers and shakers in Washington—from both sides of the aisle—will make an appearance, as will numerous state governors and state legislators. There will be celebrities and business leaders, such as the clutch of billionaires at this week’s event that the media labelled the “Broligarchy” (Musk, Bezos, et al).
There is music and famous musicians, both pop and classical, there are speeches, there is the president-elect taking an oath with his hand on a Bible (usually!). There are homilies and blessings from pastors, rabbis, and clerics of various faiths. There are numerous prayers: as many as three invocations to begin the event and three benedictions to end it. During this week’s inauguration—which happened on Martin Luther King Day—Americans heard a benediction that included a lengthy passage of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
When most of the official actions have concluded, the now sworn-in president gives a speech, followed by a choreographed exit with family and friends, and a mostly warm goodbye to the former president and first lady now leaving office. The rest of the day is a blur of balls and parties that continue the celebration long into the night.
But here’s what you may never see at an inauguration: a president asking God for wisdom as King Solomon did.
For what you might call Solomon’s inauguration, he took all of Israel’s leaders to the ark of God at Gibeon: officers, generals, judges, governors, and the leaders and fathers of the nation. Solomon then “offered a thousand burnt offerings” upon the bronze altar, 2 Chronicles 1:6. That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, what shall I give thee” 2 Chronicles 1:7. Solomon’s response is worth noting.
“Now God, I am but a little child and know not how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7) … “yet you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can judge this your people that are so numerous?” 2 Chronicles 1:8-10.
Isn’t that a great prayer by a leader? It takes true wisdom to recognize your need for wisdom. And you probably remember how God answered Solomon’s prayer:
God said because you did not ask for riches or honor, or long life or the death of your enemies, but for wisdom, I will give you greater wisdom than any man before or after. And I will also give you riches and honor and long life if you will obey me, 2 Chronicles 1:11-12, and 1 Kings 3:14.
It is remarkable that the young king had the wisdom to ask for wisdom. But notice also his humility: “I am but a little child” and don’t know what I’m doing (1 Kings 3:7). This humility is particularly remarkable considering what Solomon has already achieved in his first days in office. This man has already brought swift justice to several who deserved it, and several Solomon knows his father intended to punish, but could not for political reasons.
Just after Solomon took the throne, his older brother Adonijah launched his second attempt to take the crown. Solomon had him executed that very day, 1 Kings 2:24. Later that day, Solomon deposed Abiathar the priest (who traitorously supported Adonijah) and sent him home to be a farmer, 1 Kings 2:26. Then—also on the same day—Solomon sent his men to capture and execute David’s military leader Joab, who had murdered his betters. He “fell upon two men more righteous and better than he” Abner and Amasa, 1 Kings 2:31-32. Finally, Solomon summoned Shimei who had bitterly cursed David years before. Solomon told Shimei he could live but must never leave Jerusalem on pain of death. Shimei said that was a fair punishment (but he left Jerusalem three years later and was quickly put to death).
The point is, Solomon entered office a wise, decisive leader. He took swift, bold action in putting to death both his father’s enemies and his own. He did not even spare his own brother. Solomon could have patted himself on the back and called himself a great leader filled with wisdom. Instead, when God essentially told him to “make a wish,” Solomon immediately asked for wisdom. That is amazing—and again, indicates the man already possessed a great deal of wisdom.
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you, love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get wisdom” Proverbs 4:6-7.
Dear God, Convince us! Convince us that wisdom is worth more than riches, than honor or wealth or long life. Please give us the wisdom to know how deeply we need wisdom! Make us wise enough to pray like Solomon—for more wisdom. Bless our nation with leaders like Solomon, who are humble enough to ask you for wisdom.
AΩ
Household Words: 