Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

“That night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for what you want me to give you.” Solomon said to God, “You have shown great loving kindness to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to David my father be established; for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor yet have you asked for long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge is granted to you. I will give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you, and none after you will have.””
(2 Chronicles 1:7-12)

“God, give the king your justice;
    your righteousness to the royal son.
He will judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice.
The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people.
    The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.
He will judge the poor of the people.
    He will save the children of the needy,
    and will break the oppressor in pieces.
They shall fear you while the sun endures;
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
He will come down like rain on the mown grass,
    as showers that water the earth.
In his days, the righteous shall flourish,
    and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
    from the River to the ends of the earth.”
(Psalm 72:1-8)

Solomon was given the chance to ask for anything at all and he chose to ask for the thing he needed the most in order to treat God’s people properly. He knew they were special. He knew God cared about them. He knew they needed more than he had. He could have trusted in what he had learned from his parents. He could have trusted that with enough economic wherewithal he could get them through any troubles. He could have trusted that with enough military acumen he could keep them safe and secure. But Solomon didn’t trust himself. Instead, he asked for what he didn’t have. And he didn’t put any limits, restrictions, or fences on it. He trusted that God would know what he needed and would provide it for him. He put everything into his trust that God could be relied upon.

Psalm 72 is a psalm written by Solomon about Solomon – in one sense. It is ALSO a psalm about the Messiah. It looks at the things God provided for Solomon and looks forward imagining how much MORE God would provide those things for the whole Earth (Jew and then Gentile) through Messiah. Solomon’s kingdom was great. Messiah’s kingdom would fill the Earth. Look at the riches Solomon’s kingdom brought to the people. Think of the riches Messiah will bring. Everything in Solomon’s kingdom was great, but how much greater would be the kingdom of Messiah? That’s the forward looking thanksgiving that Solomon displays. He is grateful for everything the Lord provided for him and the people, but is even more grateful for the future fulfillment of everything God has for the whole world.

Summary

No matte how great things are in our lives, Jesus provides us with so much more. No matter what we are lacking, the Lord will give us what we need in order to make sure we’re equipped to do the job we’re called to. If something is needed and we can’t do it, Jesus does it for us or through us. He is our Source. He is our connection. He is Messiah. Everything the scriptures say Messiah will do, Jesus WILL do. He’s done part of it already. And no matter how good it is, there will be a future fulfillment of everything else to. Timeline doesn’t matter. Our willingness to rely on God and thank Him for what has been done, is being done, and will be done – as if they were accomplished already – does matter. If He says it, He WILL do it. Trust Him. Believe Him. Everything will fall into place. God WILL provide. God WILL accomplish.