Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #320: Hearing Wisdom?

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Bottom Line Up Front: Hearing Wisdom

Introduction: Remember how King David longed to build a house for God (2 Samuel 7)? God allowed David to do many mighty feats but building the temple would be a feat reserved for David’s son through Bathsheba, Solomon. God granted Solomon more than he could have imagined: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt” (1 Kings 4:29-30). And in 1 Kings 5-6, Solomon would indeed contract the best builders of his time to erect a temple for God. It wasn’t that God could be ‘contained’ inside anything constructed; rather it was to symbolize God’s presence among His people. Just as the tabernacle was central in Moses’ day, the Solomon’s temple was in his generations, as a way to symbolize God dwelling amidst His people.

But what so fascinates me in 1 Kings 4, however, is not the groundwork for the building of Solomon’s temple, but how the writer emphasizes the posture of the people to wisdom. In just the last six verses of 1 Kings 4, the writer emphasizes Solomon’s wisdom, understanding being “beyond measure” (v. 29), that his mind was like the “sand on the seashore” (v. 29), that his wisdom “surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt” (v. 30), that he “spoke 3,000 proverbs” (v. 32), that he even had wisdom regarding agriculture, horticulture, ornithology, sea creatures, and dendrology (vv. 32-34).

Again and again, the writer emphasizes Solomon’s staggering wisdom. But here’s the kicker: the people recognized that and sought him out. They weren’t misled by the pablum of mere babblers. They had enough discernment to distinguish talking heads from the fountain of wisdom.

Don’t Miss the Teaching: “And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).

Encouragement/takeaway: There’s no lack of entertainers out there—in Solomon’s day or in our day. But there’s a world of difference between distraction and wisdom. May God’s people be those of discernment and wisdom. Blateration is one thing; wisdom is something altogether different.

Scratch that Itch . . .

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Had a pretty young fella munch up the seed I put out for the birds …

The boys are fattening up for the rut to come before too long.

It’s a joy to watch them preen and strut, as if they’re something special.

Well, they are handsome, I’ll concede that.

Keep growing, little fella; you’re on your way.

He likes the seed I leave for the birds …

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #319: Solomon’s Prayer for Godly Discernment

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Bottom line up front: Solomon’s Prayer for Godly Discernment

Context: It was the 900s B.C. King David had died. His son Solomon was now king in the land. But he was young still and unprepared to lead in the way God would have him lead. There was already strife in the kingdom. Adonijah, e.g., tried to marry Abishag in order to usurp the throne. But Solomon had the wherewithal to at least prevent that (cf. 1 Kings 2). But the issue facing young Solomon at this point was his need of Godly wisdom. Could he just gin it up like one might whip up a quick meal? Was there a theological microwave he could employ in order to be ready to rule in 90 seconds. No, of course not. He needed Godly wisdom; he needed discernment. Where does that come from?

Solomon’s Disposition and Solomon’s Prayer:

And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people? (1 Kings 3:7-9, ESV)

God’s Response: “It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this” (1 Kings 3:10, ESV).

Encouragement/takeaway: For a long time now, I have been fascinated by the life of Solomon. Many times, he went from hero to zero, and back again. But on this occasion, he hit bull’s-eye, center mass, perfectly. He knew he needed Godly wisdom. And he had the self-awareness and humility to seek it out from its source: God’s word. And God granted Solomon discernment and wisdom in order that he might “discern between good and evil.” May we, at least in this regard, emulate Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, for discernment.

The Trust Deficit

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“Trust in God–but tie your camel tight.” It’s a proverb packed with wisdom. In the short video below, I address an issue I think many folks wrestle with, namely, the trust deficit.

We’re amidst a time where it’s probably unwise to trust much of anything or anyone. But such a state exacts costs. Taken to an extreme, it can lead to philosophical solipsism.

So, where should we turn? What is wise in a world where fools reign?

I speak to this issue below in a short YouTube video. I reference Psalm 64, Augustine, Corrie Ten Boon, and others. If you’ve a few minutes, I welcome you. Thanks for tuning in. I hope it encourages you, too.

Episode 5: The Issue of Worry

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Introduction: “Worry is like a rocking chair,” she said, “It’ll give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.” My beloved grandmother was filled with country wisdom like that. She died years ago but her wisdom germinated in me. At least I hope it has.

Yesterday I received another text that was about the latest iteration of government shutdowns. My friend was anxious. “What’s the deal? Surely you know” was the gist of his message to me. No, I don’t know, dear brother. Even as an officer in the nation’s military, I don’t know.

The result for many people, I think, is to worry. There’s no lack of it. Folks are worried to death, it seems. They wake up and reach for the newsfeed of their choice. Or they’re dialed in to their preferred influencer or news station or talk show. Whatever you desire, there is likely a platform for you.

“Worry is like a rocking chair,” Momo said. “It’ll give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.”

In Episode 5 (linked below), I speak to this from Scripture. The references are in the notes for you, but here they are again. My goal? To speak biblically on the issue of worry.

Scripture references: 2 Samuel 22:29; Psalm 62:8; Philippians 4:6-9.

Thanks for tuning in. I hope it encourages you.

Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #320: The Hour of Darkness

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Introduction: No matter how many times I read it, it breaks my heart. It’s the passage about Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives and His betrayer Judas comes, kisses Him as a sign to the other conspirators, and Jesus is arrested. If one has a heart, this passage will break it.

This morning I was reading Luke’s account of these events (see Luke 22:39-53). It’s the last verse here upon which I focus in this piece. The last verse in Luke’s account reads like this: “When I [Jesus] was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53, ESV).

The power of darkness. What interests me here is that Jesus, knowing all things, having told His disciples that He would be betrayed into the hands of sinners, having predicted His resurrection, still, amidst all of this, reminded them of what was unfolding in precise fulfillment of the Scriptures. Precise.

Right before Jesus says this, Luke records the following:

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? (Luke 22:44-52, ESV)

It is all part of the plan. No detail is insignificant. Jesus’s prayers were evidenced via their resulting sweat being like blood. His disciples were sleeping, again. Then the crowd comes, and Judas’ role is playing out. Judas is responsible for his behavior, his betrayal, his damnation. Judas kisses the Lord Jesus. World history changes. The Holy One allows Himself to be arrested and mocked at the hands of wicked men. Holiness condescends to sin, allowing sin to run its course, as part of God judging it for the sake of His people.

It is, as Jesus says, your hour, “and the power of darkness.” But here’s the great encouragement, dear reader: A new hour was coming shortly, that even the power of darkness could not contain. You see, here’s what I mean: Light was coming, and the darkness cannot contain or overcome it.

Some Thoughts on Gratitude (Episode 4: On Gratitude)

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Today I crossed another threshold, literally. After several years of being a geo-bachelor, I moved back home. I am so grateful for my career of military ministry but it exacts some tolls in terms of separation from loved ones. I’ve been blessed by a supportive and praying wife, and that has made all the difference.

I got back home today, is all I’m saying, but the moving back home triggered some ruminations on the drive up in the U-Haul box truck, with my gear in the back.

A short 6-minute video captures some of my reflections. Thanks for tuning in and subscribing.

The bottom line up front: Gratitude is inseparable from joy.

Here’s the link: