The Benefit of HindsightSample

Learning From the Past

What stories from your past do you continue to tell?

What are the favorite moments you continue to dwell on from the years behind you? Why are those stories your favorites?

What about the stories that are less than your best moments?

How do you think about the past?

Have you always thought about it the same way? Or has the passing of time allowed you to see from a slightly different perspective? Do you now see growth moments where before you only saw struggle? Perhaps a past opportunity is now seen as a mistake with the benefit of a little more perspective?

Scripture gives us two accounts of history in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Though the history is the same, the perspective changes between the two accounts. With more time for reflection, the Chronicler gives us a view of the era leading up to the exile of Judah (when the Jews were taken captive out of their own land) that highlights the continuing hope for Messiah.

Complicating this telling of history is that though there are two books of 1 and 2 Chronicles in our modern Bibles, they were a single account when originally recorded.

This week, we will overview 2 Chronicles, which describes Israel's failures (and a few successes) and the faithfulness of the God of hope.

The second installment of the Chronicler’s history in our Bible starts with Solomon's famous request. Following his father, David, to the throne of Israel, Solomon faces the task of leading the nation.

Men, have you ever tried to fill some impressive shoes? Been given a task to do that in itself was daunting, but even more so because the person there before you was so deeply loved, respected, and successful?

That was Solomon’s position.

In an act of deep grace, God allowed Solomon to ask for anything. In an act of deep humility and self-understanding, Solomon famously asked for wisdom.

We may not have the same opportunity to ask for something we need. But, like Solomon, we can act in humility when we face difficult circumstances.

Like Solomon, we can be men who ask God for the wisdom we need to navigate our lives in a way that honors Him (James 1:5).

For all the ways Solomon was not a role model, he did show us how to see our own limitations and ask God for help. Let’s be men who follow his example.

Prayer: God, like Solomon, I need Your wisdom for my life. I face situations every day that require me to think and act wisely. Please grant me the wisdom to see where, when, and how to honor You with my life. Amen.

Reflection: What circumstance do you need God’s wisdom for right now? Ask Him!