FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2020
(Part 32)
IN THE WAY OF SOLOMON
February 8, 2020
Today’s readings:
1 Kings 3:4-13
Psalm 119:9-14
Mark 6:30-34
To be built on Rock, we are to listen to and act on the words of Jesus. “How can the young keep his way without fault? Only by observing your words.” (Ps 119:9). The young are those young in faith. And since our call is to perfection, then we are all among those who are still young. Even Solomon, who succeeded David as king, said, “I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act” (1 Kgs 3:7b). To know God and His ways, to be centered on Christ, we are to know and live out the word of God. The word of God tells us how to act, how we are to live our lives. Apart from such instructions, we would be lost.
So how should we value God’s words?
* We must passionately desire to know God’s word, because we passionately love God and want to do His will. “With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.” (Ps 119:10). God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.
* We must trust in the promises of God, knowing His words help us avoid sin and lead a righteous life. “In my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you.” (Ps 119:11).
* We must always be grateful to God for guiding our way and bless Him for keeping us on the right track. “Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.” (Ps 119:12).
* We must speak of and live out the words of God. “With my lips I recite all the judgments you have spoken.” (Ps 119:13). Our words, thoughts and deeds should reflect God’s mind and heart.
* We must find our joy in God’s words. “I find joy in the way of your testimonies more than in all riches.” (Ps 119:14). God’s word is more precious than heaps of silver and gold. God’s word will bring us to salvation.
Now God was pleased with Solomon, because he “asked for discernment to know what is right” (1 Kgs 3:11b). Solomon knew what was of foremost and utmost importance, for him to be able to rule God’s people. “You did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies” (1 Kgs 3:11a). What did Solomon ask for? “Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil.” (1 Kgs 3:9a). He wanted a heart that would be able to properly listen to his people, but he could only properly judge them if he first listened to God. And he could only distinguish right from wrong if he knew the word of God.
Knowing God’s ways would result in “fidelity, justice, and an upright heart” (1 Kgs 3:6b), which David was given by God. These are crucial virtues by which we are built on Rock.
* Fidelity. We are to be faithful to God and to His call, committed to our mission, and loyal to one another.
* Justice. We are to give every person what is his due. To God is due worship, to our brethren is due honor and respect, to the poor is due a preferential option.
* An upright heart. We are to be pure of heart and strive to grow in holiness.
We are to build our lives and our work on the Rock that is Christ. Then Jesus can truly make use of us as He sends us forth, to reach out to the many who are lost and “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mk 6:34b). Knowing and living God’s word, we can be sure of a positive response from our Master when we report to him. “The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.” (Mk 6:30).
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