Thursday, August 16, 2012

THE SEEDS WITHIN

Scripture:  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.  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.  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?"—I Kings 3:7-9

As a mother, it is fascinating to see my children evolve.  While they are still quite young, there are aspects of their personalities and character which are rather prevalent.  More and more I feel that the seeds of who are they are have already been established and it is simply my job to nurture my children as they develop into mature individuals.

I would venture to say that in Solomon’s case, even though he was a “child” when he was appointed to be king of Israel, the seeds of who he would become were already established within him also.  He was a natural leader and there was a kind of fortitude that he possessed, that I am sure his parents observed and nurtured from a young child.  While no one imagined him assuming the throne at such an early age, himself included, he had everything that he needed to reign in Jerusalem.  Maybe this is why Yahweh asked Solomon a question that he likely already knew the answer to.  Maybe this was God’s way of validating this young leader for the people.  God knew Solomon and had affirmed his appointment as the king; however, the people did not necessary make this choice.  There were even people in Solomon’s family who were not sure about him as the leader.  So God offers and invitation and Solomon accepts the invitation with a request for understanding and discernment so that he might lead God’s people effectively.  How wise of Solomon to answer God in this way…

Invitation:  Do you find yourself in any situation in which you are asking, “Why me”?  May you have a new opportunity which seems to be beyond your expectations.  Maybe you are experiencing some adversity in which you never imagined.  Surrender the situation and yourself to God.  Relinquish your sense of knowing and understanding and ask God for divine understanding and discernment regarding your situation.  Discover what happens.

Prayer:  Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, thank you for upholding us when we are overwhelmed by new opportunities.  We surrender ourselves to you and pray for wisdom as we tread the waters ahead.  Thank you for believing in us.  We absolutely believe in you.  Amen.

The Reverend Tiffney Marley