Tuesday, July 28, 2020  

Today’s Scripture Reading   |   1 Kings 3:5–12   
After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, ‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (NRSV)

Reflection
As with many (all?) of our biblical texts, much history and theological narrative rest behind this passage in 1 Kings. Generally the writers are trying to help us understand the shift from King David to King Solomon. But I am not interested in using the historical-critical method of biblical interpretation for this short devotional. Rather, let us simply look at the plain sense of the text today to see what we see. And what do I see? I see an emerging leader who recognizes the faithfulness of God to God’s people in the past and who realizes he will have to constantly try to center himself in the wisdom of God as he makes his way into the future. In this passage, Solomon primarily expresses his desire that he make decisions in line with God’s hope.

I am sure I am not the only one who can relate to this text today! Many of us are continually trying to discern between what is wise and what is foolish in the time of COVID-19. Many of us recognize there is so much that we do not know. Many of us are simply trying to remain as faithful as we can, trying to ground ourselves in prayer as we ask for God’s wisdom and hope to be revealed to us. And so I am grateful that God responds with a yes to Solomon’s request. God does indeed bestow upon him a “wise and discerning mind” that helps Solomon be who God needs him to be at that time and in that place. May it be so for all of us, as well.

Prayer
God of wisdom and grace, I pray for this wise spirit to be born anew in me today. Give to me the clarity of your vision. Lift my eyes to see your horizon. And bestow on me the courage I need to step into it. Amen.

Written by Shannon J. Kershner, Pastor

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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