Discernment

“Please give your servant a discerning mind…” 1 Kings 3:9 CEB

When I was young, and my Sunday school teachers taught me the story of Solomon’s wisdom, I think I was supposed to be impressed.

The way the story goes is that King Solomon, David’s son, inherits the throne of Israel and is poised for greatness.  Just as he is beginning his reign, God approaches Solomon in a dream saying “ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”

Now, Solomon could have asked for money or health or military might, but instead he asks for wisdom or, as the CEB translates it, discernment.  He wants to be able to govern Israel as best as possible and make good decisions.  In order to do that, Solomon needs wisdom.

God is so pleased Solomon ask for wisdom instead of something else that God decides to give him riches, health, and power in addition to discernment.

When I was a kid, I think I was supposed to be impressed that Solomon didn’t ask for lots of superficial stuff, and I guess I was.  Certainly eight-year-old Kena would have requested a later bedtime or more friends at school.

But in Sunday School, the story of King Solomon made me think that if God ever granted me one wish, I could get even more wishes if I pretend to want something holy or spiritual.  I decided that if it ever came up I would lie to God about wanting wisdom so that I could get the cool stuff too.

Lately, I’m beginning to think God isn’t going to grant me a wish.  It’s still possible, but I think it unlikely that I will awake one night to God saying “ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”  And that’s a shame.

It’s a shame because I’m older.  It’s a shame because I know better know.  It’s a shame because, after just a few years journeying through this life, my deepest heart’s desire is truly for the wisdom of God, even if I don’t get riches and health and power thrown in.

A thirst for wisdom is probably how I wound up in seminary.  It’s probably why people show up at church on Sunday morning, especially when the week before was full of unforeseen heartache.  We want to understand our pain.

When Solomon wakes up after his encounter with God he doesn’t make some big political decision or fantastic judgment call.  In fact, the first thing he does is go to Jerusalem, to the place where God’s covenant resided, in order to celebrate and sacrifice to God.

In other words, the wisest thing Solomon can think to do is enter into the community of God and engage in worship.

And, like the people who show up on Sunday morning weary from life’s journey, I think that the instinct to worship is always very impressive.