Taking the Last Intellectual Step

Scripture: God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and a mind with broad interests. 1 Kings 4:29

Observation: Previous to this statement, we have seen Solomon's handling of internal affairs and rebellion, and his ability to exact justice. We have just been told of his organization of government and administrative structure. Immediately this statement, Solomon's wisdom and intellect is described. He studies deeply - nature is given as one example - and he writes both for the purposes of education (3,000 proverbs) and joy (1,005 psalms). He is wiser than 'the wise men of the East' and sought for guidance even from other kings.

It is this context that what happens next is documented ... Solomon begins building the Temple, declaring that it was God who instructed David that his son should do so, and in faith he now begins this massive project.

Solomon is wise beyond even eastern philosophers. Solomon is educated and expertly knowledgeable in matters of politics, governance, warfare, justice, nature, science, and psychology. And he absolutely and totally believes in Yahweh, the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Application: I do not understand modern intellects who perceive through a logic an orderly structured universe, and use that same logic to dismiss the idea of an ... architect.

I refuse to debate anyone on such matters, because the Lord himself shows this is not the way to reach others with the good news of Jesus, and in the end that - and not "being right" - is the great point. But I just can't understand how an intelligent person can discover the mysteries of how life works, and refuse to explore the idea of ... why life should even exist at all, and why a universe that contains such existence even be.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those today who think themselves too smart to believe in you. I understand their thinking, as I once thought that way, but I also knew I was stopping short of full discovery even then. The wisest man in history believed that faith in you was the natural next step to total wisdom and knowledge, and among the intellects of history he is not alone in that understanding. May others today, those who believe themselves intelligent beyond compare, take that one more step in their discovery of the universe, and discover that the creator is even more wonderous than all the mysterious workings of the creation. Amen.