Living in the Spirit
August 11, 2015
Scripture Reading: I Kings 3:3-14
O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’ –1 Kings 3:7a-14
Solomon’s prayer is one we all could pray as we wrestle with discerning between good and evil for the difference is often a fine grey line. The United States is in the midst of such discernment regarding the Iranian nuclear agreement. Can a negotiated peace ever work between peoples that share no trust? My first thought was that we have short memories, because I can remember when we were in accord with the Shah of Iran, never mind we may have been the reason for his being in power. If we look back to our faith history we might also remember that Cyrus, the King of Persia, was led by God to return the people of Judah to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s house. (2 Chronicles 36.17-23) Do we not believe that God can still work with leaders of other countries and even other faiths toward God’s purpose of peace?
We, like Solomon, are called to walk in God’s way. The way of shalom weaves throughout the history of the peoples of God. Yes, we will change Presidents in 2016 and, yes, the Iranians will change leadership at some point down the line. The history of God’s people clearly illustrates the ebb and flow of our trusting God. Routinely though we have the stories in that history where the people did choose to walk in God’s way and God blessed them for it.
Prayer: Lord, help us to walk in your way today and trust that you will take care of our tomorrows. Amen.