THE HOLY SPIRIT IN 1st KINGS
Brothers and sisters,
In the book of 1st Kings, we find a full manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom operating in king Solomon during the earlier days of his reign. Later in that book we find the Holy Spirit manifested as the fire of God that consumed the sacrifice at the showdown with the prophets of Baal in the ministry of Elijah. (See 1 Kings 18) Later we find the Holy Spirit manifested as a still small voice to Elijah when he ran away in fear of being killed by Jezebel. (See 1 Kings 19.)
The Holy Spirit is very much multifaceted. There is never a dull moment when you depend on and cooperate with Him giving Him your undivided attention. Mostly He speaks to us in a still small voice or by the simple inward witness.
Let’s however focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of king Solomon. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:2-3 that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Wisdom. The Spirit of Wisdom is the One who brings you the wisdom of God. Paul prayed for the Ephesian Christians that: “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Eph. 1:17
Wisdom has been defined as a force, the divine insight into the plans and purposes of God. Wisdom can also be defined as the insight of knowledge and the controlling power of insight. Wisdom is insight into reality (truth) and foresight into the future. With wisdom, you can rightly judge what others can’t see.
Solomon for example prayed for an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:7-9) and God gave him tremendous wisdom. God’s wisdom gave him the power to do what he needed to do as king of Israel. The wisdom of God worked in him to will and to do God’s will as long as he yielded to it. For example when two women were brought to him to judge whose baby the living baby was after one of them slept over her son and killed him, Solomon by the Spirit of Wisdom asked for a sword. He ordered that the living baby be cut into two. The real mother cried not to do it but to give the baby to the other woman instead. But the other woman said to kill the baby so he won’t belong to either one. Solomon then stood up and gave the baby to the woman who said don’t do it. The Bible says all Israel heard of that judgment (1 Kings 3:28).
In addition, the Spirit of Wisdom made Solomon very rich. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon, talking of wisdom wrote: “Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. “ Prov. 3:16 He said of wisdom: “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness.” Prov. 8:15-18. Thus He acknowledged that it was by wisdom that ruled Israel successfully.
You too like Solomon can ask God for insight and wisdom as to how to handle the situations of life. Then, let the Spirit of Wisdom take charge of you. Give Him your attention. Remember that Christ, the embodiment of wisdom dwells in you and has imparted His nature of wisdom in you. That Spirit of wisdom Paul talked about in Eph. 1:17 dwells in you. Take full advantage of His ministry in your life today and live the good life God has planned for you to live.
