Our scripture today is 1 Kings 3:9 (ESV).
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?
Solomon follows his father David as king of Israel, and begins on a very hopeful note. When God asks him what he wants as king (1 Kings 3:5), Solomon doesn’t say wealth or power, although he became rich and powerful. Instead, Solomon thinks first of God and His people, asking that God give him wisdom to care for the people effectively. Solomon’s wisdom will be legendary, and while his rule is generally peaceful and benevolent, he is as human as any of us, and his mistakes prove why the only king we should have is Jesus.
Gracious God, you sent Your Son to be our Savior and our King. Bless us to share the Good News of Your kingdom everywhere. Amen.
