Honoring God
Dedicating the Temple of God
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Solomon's Blessing
1 Kings 3:5-14 New Revised Standard Version
5 At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” 6 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 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 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, 12 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. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. 14 If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”
For Reflection
Young Solomon, only about twenty years old, was aware of the cloak of David, which he would now have to wear in service to God. Solomon could have asked for power, but instead asks for wisdom to govern wisely. God grants Solomon's wish, but with a caveat. God asks that Solomon will keep God's ways, statutes, and commandments.
Pray
Pray as Solomon did for wisdom. Pray for the insight into scriptures so that you can apply your knowledge to the discernment between right and wrong, good and evil. Pray for the wisdom to use your expertise in humility and grace. Pray and listen to the counsel of Christ.
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