1 Kings 3:5-12 (NRSV)
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Verse 5At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I should give you." Verse 6And 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 toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. Verse 7And 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. Verse 8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Verse 9Give 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?" Verse 10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. Verse 11God 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, Verse 12I 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.
Devotion
It was transition time for the Davidic dynasty. After some "palace intrigue," as recounted in 1 Kings 2, Solomon's kingship was established. Nevertheless, Solomon needed reassurance. So the Lord appeared to him in a dream asking, "Solomon, how may I help you?" Solomon responded, "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." Pleased with his request, the Lord granted Solomon a "wise and discerning mind." Unfortunately, Solomon seems not to have always used that gift.
We too are frequently in transition and face new challenges. We may not be asked to govern an unruly nation, as was Solomon, but perhaps some boisterous children or a disorderly classroom. We need wisdom to handle the challenges of the day. So, like Solomon, we humbly ask God for an understanding mind to make good choices for ourselves and others.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, you know our limitations when we face new challenges. Give us wise and discerning minds and hearts as we make decisions. Amen.