The Great Gift 

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?”
1 Kings 3:5 (NKJV)

While waiting for the evening news, I happened to catch the end of one of those seemingly unending and unchanging game shows. The bubbly host gushed: “And if you won the prize tonight, what would you spend the money on?”

As usual I was saddened, but not surprised with the answer. It’s usually a holiday or a new car, or a new sofa, or something…. Usually trivial, transitory and self indulgent.

How different was the case when God asked Solomon what he should give him. Solomon’s answer focused on how he could best serve his people. He asked for wisdom, an understanding heart rightly to judge the people he ruled. Solomon wanted to do his very best for his subjects, for the kingdom, and, by extension, God. Understandably God was pleased. And in addition to great wisdom he added riches and honour so that, as the text says: “there was not anyone like Solomon before him, nor shall any like him arise after him” (verse 12, slightly amended).

What would you ask for should God ask you what he should give you? Would we follow Solomon’s lead, perhaps asking for wisdom in how to vote in the up-coming election, or what to do for the best in our neighbourhood, for the good of the people around us?

Christians often feel that they are a minority in our supposedly Christian society. Ignored, ridiculed and often neglected. But if we follow the guidelines God gives to Christians in the Bible, we have a major role to play in our society all the time, not just when elections crop up. Oh, maybe not in the way we might think, but we are lead players in this game called Life where others are concerned. Or we should be. 

Prayer
Heavenly Father, our society often seems in turmoil and purposeless in direction. Our prayer is not for ourselves. Please help this nation to elect the leaders it maybe doesn’t deserve, but needs. And may they espouse Christian values and standards in the decisions they make on all our behalves. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

Study by John Stettaford

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About the Author:
John Stettaford is an Elder in the Reading Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Reading
Prospect School,
6th Form Common Room
Honey End Lane
READING
RG30 4EL

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11am

Local Congregational Contact:
John Stettaford
Phone:  01923-241426
Email: pastor@wcg-reading.org.uk