Background
Following the death of David, Solomon, one of his sons, became king of Israel in his place.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-10
The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant the wisdom to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
A Reflection
If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? Maybe health, happiness, or a long life. Maybe for yourself, maybe for your loved ones.
When Solomon became king, there were many different factions in Israel, there were leaders who had been disloyal to David, half brothers who thought they had a better claim to the throne than Solomon and neighbours who were attacking their borders. The task ahead was not easy.
Instead of asking for things like wealth or prosperity, power or status, Solomon asked for the one thing that would enable him to do the task for which God had anointed him; he asked for wisdom. Without wisdom he knew he would not be able to unite, govern and lead the people.
Leaders everywhere, whether in government, business, church, community or home, need wisdom in order to lead their people well. Let us pray for leaders today that they will govern their people with wisdom.
None of us has been called to lead a rebellious nation, but each of us is called to serve God in one way or another, maybe in our families or in our work, in the community or in his church. Is there a gift that you feel you are lacking, and which would help you to better do the task God has called you to do? Why not ask him to give you that gift?
Solomon asked for wisdom when he could have asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies and God granted him his request. But, in acknowledgement of his choice, God also granted him wealth and honour. This principle is found in the gospel; Jesus said, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ (Matthew 6:33). This is a promise that God makes to each of us when we seek first the things of his Kingdom.
Pray:
Lord God, please give me wisdom in all the decisions I make today and in the days to come, and grant your wisdom also to all those who lead our nation and our communities.
Amen
Be thou my vision