ESOCS Devotional 21 September 2026 – Key to Long Life
MEMORY VERSE: “And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” (I KINGS 3: 14 KJV).
TEXT: I KINGS 3: 1 – 14
And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
2 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days.
3 And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
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Scientists have extended some life through various interventions with God’s wisdom in recent years. In some cases, this has increased their lifespan by a few percentages. However, while these discoveries are groundbreaking, there is still much to learn about the secret to longevity. What works for one species might not work for another, and various factors are likely involved. However, the Bible is full of wisdom that applies to every area of our lives, including how we can live long and fulfilling lives.
Today’s Bible verses are exceptional and an urgent reminder of the divine’s duty because of its overarching influence on our destiny; it’s drawing our attention to something that cannot be substituted, exchanged, or earned. There are no other means but to enjoy a sustained and prosperous life.
The story of Solomon’s prayer in our text points us to how we can actually achieve long life through Christ…by walking in His ways, keeping His statutes and commandments (I Kings 3:14). Living by God’s laws brings us closer to Him and allows us to experience His blessings. These blessings include a long life filled with peace and happiness as stated in Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee”.
It is a well-known fact that a student’s success or failure is directly proportionate to their preparation and God’s grace. If it were a promise, the one who succeeded would have to have found favor in God’s eyes with little or no preparation to grant such success. However, that is not the case. With the crowning of God’s labour, one’s preparation as a student will do the magic of coming out extraordinary. As success has rules and regulations in the kingdom, likewise, our health and longevity have rules that must be followed by all who follow God’s instructions.
Hear God’s commandment to the children of Israel through the mouth of Moses: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” (Deut.30:19-20).
God’s commands are essential, and His principles are simple: either you keep God’s commands and walk in his statutes and live a long life on earth, or you don’t bother keeping God’s commandments and statutes and live otherwise. However, remember what Deuteronomy 5:33 said “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” God blessed Solomon with wisdom and many more and promised to bless him with length of days if he continues to walk in the ways of his father David. Choose to walk in God’s ways and you will also enjoy the blessing of longevity of life and other blessings.
Challenges:
- Do you know that your choice will determine your length of days on earth?
- Do you desire long life and God’s blessings? Choose to walk in His ways and statutes.
Prayer:
Father, I make a commitment to always do my best to walk in the God kind of love, be led by the Holy Spirit, walk by faith and be a doer of Your Word in Jesus name. Amen.
FURTHER READING:
Nehemiah 6: 1 – 15; Matthew 11: 1 – 6; 1 Corinthians 7:1 – 13
ESOCS Devotional 21 September 2026
