Dream of Solomon by Luca Giordano (Click on image for larger, clearer version!)
It's time to think of looking over this coming Sunday's scriptures and preparing to hear the Word of the Lord.
Sunday's texts and background materials will bring you to Solomon's dreams, Paul's deep trust in God and Matthew's recounting of three parables, each beginning, "The kingdom of heaven is like..."
Got kids? Take a look here and help your children prepare for prayer on the Lord's Day, too.
Here's a teaser to draw you into the Word for this coming weekend:
In the first lesson, the Lord comes to Solomon in a dream and says,
"Ask something of me and I will give it to you."
What did Solomon ask for? Did he receive it? What would you ask for? Or, in term of this Sunday's gospel, what buried treasure do you seek? what is your pearl of great price?
-ConcordPastor
an understanding heart so that he will know what is right-
ReplyDeleteyes, God did give it to him.
I would ask for something that was lost- or stolen from me- something that I cannot name; I know that it is very important and essential, but I don't know what it is!
I want and need to trust that God knows what it is-
but, I'm scared that I will never get it back.
If it was lost or stolen and you don't quite know what it was; try letting it go; and pray God gives you something more important and recognizable that you can see in your world today.
ReplyDelete"Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
ReplyDeleteto judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.”
The ability to distinguish right from wrong seems to be in short supply these days. As we read the news we see leaders, religious and secular, justifying war, abuse of the environment and abortion -- even the killing of those born alive after attempted abortion!
Would that we had rulers with Solomon's heart.
Anonymous: If God, had given Solomon the heart he requested, that of an understanding heart, I believe he would not only distinguish right from wrong, but also "see" beyond right from wrong, ... in order to understand reasons, and judge for himself; but not for God. Just my humble opinion, and certainly not looking for an argument.
ReplyDeleteMary, If you consider the killing of live infants to be something we shouldn't judge, then you are indeed beyond reach of argument.
ReplyDeleteAnd there, readers, is a good example of the exchanges I'm choosing not to encourage here.
ReplyDelete