Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wise Guys (and girls)...

I love to imagine the scene from fairy tales where a Genie offers to grant a wish. It's during those daydreams that I ponder what I'd ask for, and over the course of my life I can recall quite a vast array of notions.

I think my list has ranged from the material to world peace and back again--but today's scripture provides an example of the best possible request. In 1 Kings 3 and 4, David's son, Solomon, is king. In a dream, God appears and asks him what he wants.

Imagine that! The God of the universe, the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, asking you to name it--whatever you want! My fear is that given that possibility and privilege, I'd blow it by asking for something stupid or ridiculous rather than responding as Solomon did--with careful, reflective wisdom. So what was this thing that he requested? Just that--wisdom. Take a look at what Solomon said:

1 Kings 3:10: Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame!

Today's scriptures, 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; and Psalm 72, include additional fascinating details, including a demonstration of Solomon's God-given wisdom when two women each claimed to be the mother of the same baby.

As I consider the most important take-away from these passages, I hope you are challenged to recognize and value what really matters. Scripture affirms that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord. This "fear" means healthy respect, reverence and awe that results from awareness that God alone is Lord.

I pray--with all that is in me--that God grants me wisdom and that He does the same for you. And even more, I pray that you yearn for Godly wisdom and seek Him with all your heart so that when you are faced with choices--or options--that you will always choose wisely.

Psalm 72: (a Psalm of Solomon)
18 Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does such wonderful things.
19 Praise his glorious name forever!
Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and amen!

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