If You Had One Wish

“’Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” (1 Kings 3:9-10)

                From our childhood we remember stories about those who found a magic lamp.  When they rubbed the lamp, a genie popped out and granted them three wishes.  In the world of make believe, let’s imagine you were the one who found the lamp and when the genie popped out he was prepared to give you only one wish.  What would you wish for?  A bigger house?  A nicer car?  More money in the bank?  Better health for family and friends?  There’s a lot of things you could wish for!

                Of course God is no genie, but there was an occasion in the Word of God when He granted the desire of young King Solomon.  Having just been coronated as king, Solomon wanted to kick his kingdom off on the right foot.  For that reason, he went to Gibeon to sacrifice to the Lord.  When his worship was all said and done, Solomon offered one thousand burnt offerings on the altar (1 Kings 3:4).  God chose to bless Solomon for his sacrificial worship.  He said, “Ask!  What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5)

                Solomon could’ve asked for wealth, land, prestige, or any number of things.  Yet, instead of asking for something that would’ve been for his own welfare, He asked for something that would bring glory to God – “an understanding heart to judge your people.”  Not only did God make Solomon the wisest man of earth, but He also blessed Him with riches and honor.  We needed to be reminded that if each of us will seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, He’ll take care of everything we need (Matt. 6:33).