Sermonette: July 27, 2020

There was a television program some time ago, reruns continue today. “Fraiser” was based on a psychiatrist who had given up private practice and now had a radio program where people would call in with problems of various levels of seriousness, though usually intended to be humorous. On one particular episode, the psychiatrist was told that he had to have a little song to be played as an intro to his program. Eventually, at the program’s ending, what they came up with was if you wanted help, no matter what your problem, if you wanted help, all you had to do was ask.

David, in the 86th Psalm, prays for help. He has enemies out to kill him and he’s in hiding. In his prayer, he makes a request of God. But, it wasn’t what we might expect. He is in fear for his life and does he ask that his enemies be destroyed? No. Does he ask that they are made to disappear or be sent in another direction so they would never find him? No. David asks God to teach him how to follow God’s word, to be able to walk in His truth. The request was accompanied with the acknowledgment that God is the one and only God, and David praises Him and thanks him for His never-ending and never changing love. And for David’s enemies? He asks that the ones that hate him will see how God has blessed him and they will be ashamed that they had wished him harm.

Solomon, a son of David, also had a request of God. Solomon was a devout follower of God making sure he offered the proper sacrifices at the proper times. He had yet to build the temple he was so famous for and so he would go up to high areas to offer these sacrifices to God. At one of these places, Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he would like. He could have anything he wanted of God, all he had to do was ask.

What would we ask for in such a situation? It’s not unlike the times when the various lotteries get astronomically high; in the $300 and $400 million dollar range. It can be a bit fun to talk with friends and say, if you won, what would you do with all that money? Unfortunately, all too often the answer is for personal luxury. Expensive new cars, fabulous homes, jewelry, travels around the world and so forth. Oh some would share some of the new wealth with family to be sure, but the self would get the lion’s share. One response, somewhat jokingly, “I’ll just keep on farming until the money is all gone.”

Well, Solomon was in this position. God had asked him what would he want. Solomon could have asked for anything. But, he didn’t ask for riches for himself. Didn’t ask for popularity or power. Solomon responded with I am the king but I don’t have the experience of my father David. I’m new at this. I would like you to give me the wisdom necessary to rule my people justly; the ability to discern between good and evil. Wow, what a great answer. God granted this wish and Solomon became wiser than anyone in the land. He became famous throughout the whole world. He had the admiration and respect of the leaders of all the nations.

Remember, scripture has told us, if we want God’s love, God’s grace, to eventually join Him in His home in heaven, all we have to do is ask, and it will be given to us. Blessings to you all.