Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Wisdom from Above
1 Kings 3:16-28
Santhosh George
St. John's MTC, NY
28 All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered;
and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of
God was in him, to execute justice.
In our time, when we hear a judgement, there are usually more questions than answers. Sometimes it even triggers violence and unrest among the very people who are involved in the argument. We seldom observe that the court system and the people involved have displayed any wisdom. This is because often times Truth is neglected in the decision making and it is replaced by evidence. Through this passage God reveals to us that there is more to the truth than what meets the eye.
There are limitations to our knowledge:
In math, we learn that two halves make one whole. But, that is not an absolute statement without any limitation. While that is a true mathematical statement, it has its limitations when it comes to things that are most precious to our hearts. Two halves of a baby does not make a whole baby at all. Imagine the horror that the mother went through when Solomon said this. Beyond the flesh we must see God who gives life to that flesh. Through God’s wisdom, Solomon shows that it is foolishness to only depend on the visible while the invisible gives meaning and purpose to everything visible.
Wisdom from above leads to preservation of life:
Solomon makes a decision to show us that without God’s wisdom, there would be confusion and despair. While threatening the life of the baby, he preserves the life and restores peace to the mother. It is disappointing to see that the mother who lost her son decided to bring the experience of death to the first mother. In times of tragedy and disappointment, what is the path we choose? Way of the sword that divides or way of the life that preserves?
When we value Truth God is honored and when God is honored justice is truly given to people. Let us go beyond what is simply visible. Let us seek God’s presence where wisdom and justice are present.
In our time, when we hear a judgement, there are usually more questions than answers. Sometimes it even triggers violence and unrest among the very people who are involved in the argument. We seldom observe that the court system and the people involved have displayed any wisdom. This is because often times Truth is neglected in the decision making and it is replaced by evidence. Through this passage God reveals to us that there is more to the truth than what meets the eye.
There are limitations to our knowledge:
In math, we learn that two halves make one whole. But, that is not an absolute statement without any limitation. While that is a true mathematical statement, it has its limitations when it comes to things that are most precious to our hearts. Two halves of a baby does not make a whole baby at all. Imagine the horror that the mother went through when Solomon said this. Beyond the flesh we must see God who gives life to that flesh. Through God’s wisdom, Solomon shows that it is foolishness to only depend on the visible while the invisible gives meaning and purpose to everything visible.
Wisdom from above leads to preservation of life:
Solomon makes a decision to show us that without God’s wisdom, there would be confusion and despair. While threatening the life of the baby, he preserves the life and restores peace to the mother. It is disappointing to see that the mother who lost her son decided to bring the experience of death to the first mother. In times of tragedy and disappointment, what is the path we choose? Way of the sword that divides or way of the life that preserves?
When we value Truth God is honored and when God is honored justice is truly given to people. Let us go beyond what is simply visible. Let us seek God’s presence where wisdom and justice are present.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us
to put our focus on the Truth and enable us to see the invisible riches.
Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
In times of serious struggle and disappointment, where do we place our trust?
In times of serious struggle and disappointment, where do we place our trust?