Just One Wish

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 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. 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. 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. 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?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 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, 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. 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. 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.” (1 Kings 3:5-14 ESV).

Perhaps you have played the game asking, “If you could make one wish, what would it be?” The answers to that question are usually very revealing. I’ve heard people ask for all kinds of things. Some would say things like, lots of money, a big house, or a motorcycle. I suppose if I were smart I’d say, “I’d wish for unlimited wishes!” Even though that seems to be a great answer, it simply reveals incredible selfishness. Our reading details the story of Solomon being asked that very question by God. God said to Israel’s young King Solomon, “Ask whatever you wish Me to give you.” Solomon chose “wisdom to lead and discernment between good and evil.” God was pleased, knowing he could have asked for wealth or long life. So God granted his wish and a wealthy, long life. Asking God for wisdom is a good request indeed; for so often with wisdom comes great success and the respect of others. The world is drawn to people who are proven to be wise. Strangely we all have been asked that question in a way. And, we all have been given the answer that Solomon was given. We do possess all the wisdom necessary to live a positive and productive life. The Scripture is the repository of God’s wisdom. We don’t lack any answer necessary for a great life. Have you looked to that source?