Following morning worship Sunday we will hold a congregational meeting to elect a nominating committee for Elders Class of 2017. That will be followed by a pot luck church family luncheon. Please bring a dish to share.
Scripture
1 Kings 3:3-15
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. [4] And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. [5] At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." [6] And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, 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 this day. [7] And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. [8] And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. [9] Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
[10] It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. [11] And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, [12] behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. [13] I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. [14] And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." [15] And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
Questions for Reflection
- What have you fantasized you would ask for if you had three wishes?
- What did God say to Solomon in a dream while he was at Gibeon? (3:5)
- How did Solomon see his own place in the history of God and Israel? (3:6)
- What did Solomon find humbling about being king? (3:7-8)
- In Solomon’s view whose nation was Israel? (3:8)
- What request did Solomon make of God and for what purpose? (3:9)
- How did God feel about what Solomon had chosen to request? (3:10)
- What difference did it make that Solomon asked God for wisdom? (3:10-14)
- Why are riches and honor of less ultimate value than wisdom?
