1 Kings 2.10-3.14

We come to the end of King David's life. In reflection on his life we see great peaks and valleys.  In the midst of all of these peaks and valleys we have to cling to the fact that David was a man after God's own heart.  In his death we remember this great shepherd boy who rises to power through God's wonderful grace.  He was anointed now to be the shepherd of Israel.  A shepherd who would care for God's people.  Now we see that Solomon has gained the seat of power.  Solomon ----- the son of David and Bathsheba securely seals his kingship.  And this security involves a great deal of death and pain. 

In the midst of Solomon's rise to power God meets Solomon in a dream.  In 1 Kings 3.5 it says: "At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night."  The Lord asks Solomon what his desire is.  And Solomon answers rightly.  He asks for an understanding mind ----- so that he can rightly govern the people of Israel.  After making his request known it says in v10: "It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this."  What greater words can be written about any of us ----- then to please the Lord.  Therefore, the gift is given to Solomon ----- but we must remember that a gift must be opened and used.  This gift has a condition attached to it ----- that Solomon must live into being a king that has an understanding mind. 

Have we pleased the Lord?  Have we pleased the Lord by using the gifts that God has given to us?