Xanthe Hancox

‘Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ 1 Kings 3:7-9

If you had one wish, what would it be? A hundred million bucks? For the Boks to win the World Cup? Or maybe you’d wish for an end to violence in your neighbourhood, a family member to be healed of cancer, or for justice and equality.

In our passage today we hear of Solomon’s dream where God grants him one wish. He doesn’t ask that Israelites listen to him or for God to vanquish his enemies, he asks for wisdom. It’s worth noting that before he even responds to God's offer, Solomon remembers God's faithfulness to both David and now himself.

Solomon was not really the age of a child. He comes to God in great humility, especially considering the job in front of him. The statement is actually Solomon's poetic way of expressing his inadequacies as he faced the monumental task of leading God’s people. It was his way of saying, "The job is so much bigger than me; I must rely on God."

Solomon asked for more than great knowledge; he wanted understanding, and he wanted it in his heart, not merely in his head. Actually, the ancient Hebrew word translated to understanding is literally, "hearing." Solomon wanted a hearing heart, one that would listen to God. In Ephesians 1:18 the Paul prays something similar for Christians when he says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”

When we go to God in prayer, what do we ask for? Are we treating God like a genie who will give us our greatest wishes? Or are we seeking the Lord’s power to help shape us to do the work he has called us to do for him?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times that I put my own desires first, and for getting angry with you when you do not fulfil them. Give me the power to become the disciple you want me to be and to grow your kingdom. Amen