Sunday, July 30, 2023
If you could ask for anything you want, what would it be? Health, peace, love, purpose, time, family and friendships? These are all good answers and what all of us yearn for in life.
King Solomon was the last King of the combined twelve tribes of Israel. Son of David, who preceded him as king. Solomon’s reign as King lasted for 40 years and he was loved by his people. His reign is known as the “Golden Age” of Israel, as the kingdom was at its height of power and prosperity during his time. He is remembered for his wisdom, wealth, and for building projects such as the first temple in Jerusalem. He was a skilled musician and poet who was credited as writer of the Old Testament books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.
Solomon was also like us, human and flawed. He was proud, self-indulgent living a lavish lifestyle with a large, luxurious palace and numerous wives. His marriage to many foreign women eventually led him to worship their gods.
God’s love and loyalty to us, and to Solomon, is not contingent on our love and loyalty to Him. He is always faithful to us, standing by our side and waiting with arms opened for us to return to Him. In today’s Old Testament we read that God appeared to young King Solomon and said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” (1 Kings 3:5) King Solomon chose wisely. He chose wisdom.
We learn from the New Testament that wisdom from God is different from wisdom of this world: “But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy.” (James 3:17). In his letter, James also writes: “if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.” (James 1:5).
If you could ask for anything you want, what would it be?
As we come before God and fervently pray for healing, family, peace and what is in our hearts and minds, let us also remember to ask the Lord to grant us, and our loved ones, wisdom.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.