Living in the Spirit
August 9, 2021
Scripture Reading:
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, 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 3:3-14
In a democracy with a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we should be able to look in the mirror and see the reflection of our government looking back at us. I fear we can. We are a house divided and do not seem willing or able to seek what is good for all because we think our way is the right way and thus the only way. We have lost our moral fiber to do what is best for all the people, not just for ourselves or people like us. Solomon asked the right question initially but got caught up in the love of money and power. While his service in office may have been spectacular in its buildings and international intrigue, he left it in shambles, causing the kingdom to split, which began the downfall of a great nation. How do we measure what a great country is by wealth and power, or how well it cares for itself and all its neighbors—a nation ruled by love. We know that love is the ruling factor in God’s Kingdom. We might be surprised when God’s Kingdom comes to full fruition and find we feel like strangers.
Prayer: Give your servant(s) therefore an understanding mind(s) to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.