So you’re exploring an old cave in the mountains of the American West and you find a polished cow horn on a string. It’s covered in dust and has a lid on the end—it’s a powder horn. Curious, you open it and WHOOSH! the ghost of an old Navajo shaman comes out, thanks you for setting him free, and offers to grant one wish.
What will you request? Long life? Treasure? Fame? A romantic soulmate? Success? Travel? The death of your enemies?
One day the young King Solomon sacrificed to God 1,000 burnt offerings. That night God came to Solomon in a dream: “Ask. What should I give you?”
The new king thought of his responsibilities.
“You have shown great love to Your servant…. Yet I am a youth with no experience in leadership. I am surrounded by a people too numerous to be counted. So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3:5-9.
How did God respond to this request from Israel’s new king?
“Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches or the death of your enemies, but you asked for discernment for yourself to understand justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart so that there has never been anyone like you nor will there ever be again. In addition, I will give you riches and honor… and a long life” vv.11-14.
Because Solomon had his priorities straight, God gave Solomon both the wisdom he needed and the riches, honor, and long life he probably wanted.
God, teach us to pray boldly—to ask for big things, and to ask for the RIGHT things. Give us WISDOM to understand leadership and justice. Help us discern among people and situations. Anoint us with Your wisdom in every circumstance. Help us give glory to You every day.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 