Gratis

1 Kings 5:6

“So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”

Around 15 years ago, my homechurch staged a big musical production for Holy Week. I think it was a fund raiser of some sort because I remember us selling tickets. My assignment was more on the musical side, while a committee was formed to attend to logistics, resource and all. But of course we have to help each other whenever and wherever needed.  I volunteered to tap in friends to do our backdrop. My mindset then was to cut some costs. Somehow I managed to get the commitments of three excellent artists, who were also my good friends. They did so well, it was very much commended, and I was even proud to have their services for free, along with my other guest singers. Looking back I think I was unfair, not to mention, I believe I dishonored God by my cheap offering. I may not afford them before the production, but I could have at least pushed for a budget allotment to bless them with a share of the returns.  

It was God orchestrated that at the planning stage of the temple project, Hiram, king of Tyre, sent an envoy to congratulate the newly enthroned Solomon. I’m sure it’s the same feeling when we’re working on something so big and every circumstance are taken in connection to it. “An answered prayer! Just what we need!” - could be Solomon’s blurted excitement. He immediately sent back a message and invited Hiram to the project as a major supplier. The cedars of Lebanon are unparalleled and the Sidonians are exemplary in felling timbre - - just perfect and befitting for God’s glorious temple. Since it was his initiative for partnership, Solomon saw the need to assure him that the men will be given wages in acknowledgement for their skill, and Hiram can set the price. In the previous chapter we read about other countries bringing tribute to Israel, I wonder why not here?  Hiram was on friendly terms with his father David, why not tickle on that relationship? I guess the answer lies on the literal foundation of this project. It was exactly that place where Araunah offered his threshing floor for David’s free use, and the king declined. Solomon knows the story. It was the place where justice and grace met, and the temple he’s building will likewise operate exactly on those truths. It couldn’t be cheap. It had to be costly.

I think it’s already part of the Pinoy culture to count on built-relationships to acquire favors. We call it pakikisama, the mother of utang na loob.  I don’t want to be legalistic about it, but in reference to our context today, I think it’s dishonoring to God to abuse it in service-oriented matters. ‘By the sweat of our brow, you will eat your food’. It’s how many of us make our living. It’s an awkward position especially for ministries and Christian workers because of the argument of the free gospel. But could we at least factor in their transpo expense or food allowance or further studies? And who says the gospel is free? Didn’t Jesus pay a high price for our salvation? It’s never cheap because it was His life for ours. It was the right computation. So how do we see our friend’s labor of love? If we factor in their time, their sacrifices, their expertise - - isn’t it worth more than a tap on the shoulder? Be God’s rewarder to their hardwork.  Pray and trust God for His provision!

The Best Me

1 Kings 4:33

“He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.”

Nature vs Nurture? Who’s really responsible for who we are now? Physically, science has proven heredity. Health issues point both. But how about personality or attitudes? My dad blames my mom for my nose and hair, haha! I grew up hearing that and so I resented the idea. Add to that the society’s high regard for fine features and photoshopped hair. What started as genetics affected the emotions and became an attitude. As a solution, some have resorted to genetic alterations, which I believe is but an insult to our Creator.  I chose A.I. - - acceptance and improvement.  I praise Him for who I am and I will glorify Him by working on being the best me, that is, by taking care of my body and by taking control of my attitudes. Now that’s being responsible.

Solomon, by virtue of bloodline, inherited not just the throne but reaped the harvest of his father’s hardwork. Most of his chief officials were and sons of David’s trusted men. His rule extended beyond Dan to Beersheba, all enjoying peace and plenty, mainly as a result of his predecessor’s conquests. The path to righteousness was laid before him and God’s favor continued to overflow all in light of David’s faithful walk and upright heart. Solomon witnessed it all, and if ever those genes really worked, both nurture and nature paid off. But chapter 4 presents us with a  rule  beyond raw. Sure Solomon had the loyalty of David’s men, but he worked on his share of the relationship as proven by the two marriages of his daughters to his governors. David may have left him a structure for government, but here we see a systematized one. It may already be all peace and plenty, but not just as an overview. Solomon made sure it was felt at every home.  Every raw gift was cultivated ‘til it grew. Even the wisdom God gave Him was never stagnant in his yard. The text said ‘he taught’. Every teacher knows the hardwork it entails to move from being a learner to becoming a teacher. And learning never stops. Solomon did his fair share. He glorified God by being the best him.

I so love the principle behind the Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty. Theirs is to celebrate the natural physical variation embodied by all women and inspire them to have the confidence to be comfortable with themselves.  God has given each one a beauty, a talent, a skill. Blaming nature and nurture for the limitations which could have instead turned us to becoming great springs up from looking at another’s fence instead of discovering our own. God was not unfair, we are. All we do is stargaze in our dark holes of self pity and hopelessness which was neither given nor acquired. We allowed it to control us. Be free! Truth says we are wonderfully made! We’re created in the image of God Himself. We may be marred because of sin, but His grace can transform us back into the likeness of His Son. A gift that we have to accept in faith, and in gratitude and obedience we have to faithfully cultivate. Are you up and ready for today's question - - who is the best you?

They’ll Say Wow!

1 Kings 3:28

“When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”

Today marks the 6th month of the curriculum project I have been assigned to. Let me emphasize: assigned. Given an option, I wouldn’t take it. First, because the material is first of its kind, meaning there’s no luxury for cross reference. Second, it’s my first time to write a full-length curriculum. I feel not just inexperienced, but so unequipped. Third, because I’m one and alone in this department. No option to delegate, I can’t even quit. But since my reasons are all but excuses, it’s still on my lap.  And because this is God’s call and it is His work, His blessings followed.  I may not have comparative studies to refer to, but He opened a thousand windows of related articles as resource; I was new in writing and so He pushed me to daily practice the skill. I’m unbelievably way past my hundredth blog now; I started as the sole writer, roughly finishing the first draft, but two weeks ago, He graced me with no less than one of the country’s best Music Educators as consultant. God is just amazing! I’m in awe seeing His wisdom at work. And it is with hope that soon, many will say wow seeing this project, surely not because of me, but for His undeniable imprint on each of its pages. His glory is my goal! Now that’s my push to keep me going, never quitting. I think I need to copy-paste this on my work folder :>

Immediately after his one wish to have a discerning heart to govern his people, the young king Solomon had his first test. Since God’s gift was through a dream, he may have struggled a bit. Maybe not about God’s sincerity-slash-ability, but more if he heard Him right. ‘Wisdom. Is it really now in me?’  He’s now in his courtroom and before him were two prostitutes, each claiming to be the mother of one baby. That’s all he got. No witnesses, no clues. This was one unprecedented case. Maybe it was first brought to the lower courts. But having no reference to compare notes with, they admitted it was beyond their skills, and so  they decided for the ultimate move up. It’s all up to Solomon now. Inexperienced, unequipped, alone, can’t quit - - I’m sure he felt it all too. The account did not mention that he prayed, but it was nowhere said that he didn’t either. In using a test to surface out the truth proved he was depending on God to provide him with clues. In listening to both sides, he made use of what is all available at hand. He did not dare give a verdict ‘til all ends were tied. He exhausted all efforts. He did his part. And God honored Solomon’s seeking for justice. It was, after all, God’s work through him.

“The people were in awe because he had wisdom from God”.  There was nothing in Solomon to wow the public. He was young, the first heir to be king, and he was new in office. He was here the reflection of the young Jesus who amazed all the teachers in the temple courts with his answers and understanding. It was way beyond his years. But when you’re sitting next to the radiance of God, who would not notice? For when you ask God  for wisdom, He pours it so generously that it’s undeniably out of this world. Our tasks today may look uncharted and unpromising, but if it is God’s work and He’s calling us in to join Him, it will definitely not be without His blessings. And yes, our goal is to wow the public - - for His glory is praiseworthy! His glory is our goal! May it be the push to keep us going, never quitting.

One Wish

1 Kings 3:12-14

“I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart... moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor...  and if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands, ...I will give you a long life.”

When I was a child, I always hope I’d somehow find that magic oil lamp and be granted three wishes. Mine then was to own Goya Fun Factory, for Voltes V to come alive, and to see Disneyland of course.  But since I never saw that lamp, blowing out birthday candles and tossing  coins in the wishing well became the alternates. I think I also did message in a balloon and a list for Santa, hehe :> But that’s what I believed in as a child. Somehow, a wish is that desire for something so far within reach but you hope to receive in an instant. Deep inside, you know it’s just impossible to happen. But at least you wished. Who knows?

Solomon was one blessed man to be granted one wish by the Almighty Himself. His was not a wish-upon-a-star thing, or some will of the wind toss. He was face to face with God. While some of us could have readily blurted out our wants given such opportunity, Solomon started with humble statements. It was not the typical Pinoy beating around the bush, trying not to appear overly and obviously excited. The depth of his request is proof enough that his opening words was in sincere acknowledgement of God’s graciousness to their family. He did not refuse the offer either, signifying his dependence for God’s hand on the matter. His one wish was wisdom - - a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Couldn’t he ask that in an installment basis, as the needs arise perhaps? Why not go with  Google’s  popular answers like be a millionaire or good health, world peace or have superman powers, even access to unlimited wishes maybe? Here we see his heart was all set not on his personal welfare or safety. Doing God’s will was top of his list. But why not security and wealth for the land, that’s not selfish thinking right? But is that what really the land needs, or is it just feeding them with wants.

Verse 10 said “God was pleased that he asked for this’.  As a parent, when my kids are sleeping especially, I often utter a prayer for God to grant me long life so I could take care of them as they grow up; wealth so we could provide for their health and education; and, safety for them, from bad influences and evil at large. I know this is God’s will for me, my duty as a parent. But pondering on Solomon’s wish, being likewise given a trust, shouldn’t wisdom be top of my list as well? I could spend many years with my kids, but without God’s wisdom, will those years even significantly count? If I could have the riches of  this world, will that guarantee our family’s happiness? And if I ask God for a problem-free life for them, how can they ever learn faith and hope? How else can they appreciate grace? Wisdom may not  appear as a pack of instant noodles to free you from hunger now, but it will definitely teach you how to find and make food for yourself, to free you from poverty for the days to come.  You may wish for wisdom anytime, and guess what? God may even add items to your cart which you did not wish for, say riches and honor? Solomon got a truckload. Who knows? :>

Still In Love?

1 Kings 3:3

“Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.”

Falling in love. It’s the greatest feeling of all. It brings you so high in your emotions, so deeply concerned for the person, and so widely open to endless hopes. It’s so powerful it makes your heart helpless and uncontrollable, thus the ‘falling’ suggests. You can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t work - - so it’s fatal too, hahaha. Every second seems to revolve around that person. Your thoughts are filled with him - - every word he said, every move he made, even details of how he looked that day.  Yes, I can still vividly remember how Tris and I climbed that big tree in UP lagoon eight years ago. He could have literally fallen because of me. But up there with him, I just knew I’d do and give and be everything for him. Anything to please him. I emailed Tris a picture of that tree just now. Brings back beautiful memories…. and promises made.    

Whenever we hear the name Solomon, what usually follows is that we remember his wisdom and his wives (fyi: 700 official wives, 300 concubines!!). Only now did I realize we’re missing out one big word that defines him, one that came before his fame and big family - - LOVE. That’s right, I’m quite surprised myself. His parents may have given him a name which means peace, appropriately because of their restored fellowship with God, but then God sent Nathan to give him the name Jedidiah, meaning ‘loved by the Lord’. From peace to love, such grace! And he sure saw the full extent of that love when he was chosen to be next to the throne. Overwhelmed with that favor, we read now in verse three that ‘Solomon showed his love to the Lord’. He loved because God loved him first. He loved and so he walked according to the statutes. But like the rest of mankind, he allowed many things to come in between of that first love. Marrying Pharaoh’s daughter could just be political and sacrificing to the high places may  be the norm that time, but how could he not see that it is far from the pleasure of his Beloved?  Where was that promise of doing and giving and being everything for Him? Quite sad that we only remember him now as the Wise. Without love, isn’t everything meaningless?

When was the last time you felt so inloved with the Lord? And now? Has it been years or months? What stood in between? Are you really that busy with work that you completely forgot your ‘dates’ with Him? Did you found someone better? You sure? Did He love you less? Impossible. Try to go back to that time you first promised love to Him. Think about Him. What were His words to you? What did He do just for you? And what did you promise back? We’ve been carrying His name everyday - - saying we’re Christians and all - - but how many times we preferred to be called  Dr., Atty., Prof., Sir, Mrs., etc? Even the wisest who ever lived said such were vain efforts, and so he ended Ecclesiastes with these words: ‘Fear God and keep his commands’. Uhm, where is love there? Jesus gave us the answer: ‘If you love me, obey my commands’. Ready to go back to your first love? If you’re having a hard time remembering when was your special time with Him - -  look at the cross! That’s how special you are to Him!

Second Chance

1 Kings 2:24

“And now, as surely as the Lord lives – he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised – Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

I have my discipline guidelines set. One disobedience, one spank. If Rilian’s hits Kjaran by the hand, the rod will fall hard on that hand. If he stomps his feet in tantrums, his legs will get the scolding. If he snarls aloud in defiance, I tap his mouth to make my point. This might not be agreeable to some moms, but it’s quite effective for us.  Anyway, one time, after giving him a spank for disobeying, he turned and made an angry growl at me. And then as if it surprised him as well, he shifted gears and blurted, ‘Ay, sorry mom!’ For a few seconds I stood there not knowing what to do next. My book says I have to scold him for the snarl, but this was admittedly unguarded. I decided to take a step back and leave him with a warning. I was not sure then if I did it right.

First on Solomon’s to-do-list as newly enthroned king were discipline issues. Not a very nice welcome assignment right? Especially if first in line is your own brother. Good thing Adonijah chose to bow in surrender after his caught-rebellion. So was Shimei, David’s curse-r. Both admitted their wrongdoings and so was given another chance. Guess I did right with Rilian that time. But Solomon did not just let go. He implied that his eyes are on them. Alongside giving a second chance is to make sure they are now accountable for their actions. Discipline is a necessary follow through for the rebellious. Since they have breached the trust, they have to prove their loyalty back. Sadly, these two men never learned their lesson. Or probably, repentance never really took place.  Adonijah’s scheme to have David’s last concubine proved he’s still eyeing the crown, while Shimei was caught breaking his sworn oath by leaving Jerusalem without permission. Both faced death by the sword. They have been warned. But they gave away that second chance.

As leaders, parents, or teachers, let us be mindful of those who cry out for mercy. It is true that every sin has its consequences, but every repentant sinner needs a second chance too. We do have a merciful God and His patience stretches to giving us nth chances right? But read again the qualifier: repentant. Context? Insubordination. For Joab was still killed for the murder of Abner and Amasa, not because he conspired against Solomon's authority. Withholding punishment for discipline doesn’t mean disregarding the offense. It merely changes its form to positive measures, moving the rebellious from being passive receivers to active responders. But this implies taking responsibility as leaders. Shifting to yield mode is signing a conforme that says we’re keeping an eye on them. If we’re giving them a second chance, we have to be there until they’re fully submissive. It’s no accident that forgiveness has the word ‘give’ in it. Quite a thought. Still pondering here….

In Fairness

1 Kings 2:6-7

“Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.”

Too often, what adults put aside, kids beautifully displays affront.  Little things that I take for granted, my little tots marvel at, laugh about, and thank God for. Just now, I gave a banana to Rilian and delightfully he exclaimed, ‘Ang sarap nito mom ah! Thank you Jesus!’. Or the other day, Kjaran showed me her shoes and said, ‘Mom, o, pretty’. I know it was God telling me to stop and praise. Not stop and complain. Because what normally grabs my attention, what makes me leave the computer table, is their loud scream or the mess they created. It takes effort and (their) prompting for me to mind their little achievements. Generous to scold, cautious with praise - - such imbalance :<

At his deathbed, David called in Solomon for his final charge. Given minimal time to delegate, he has to sift through his forty years reign and identify the most important. ‘Be strong’ was his first point. He opened his eyes to the reality of the task at hand. But instead of strategies and solutions, he armed him with strength. ‘Walk in His ways’ was next. He assured him of the promise and presence of God. David need not give details of how to run a kingdom for God’s law is suffice for faith and practice. Solomon just needs to faithfully abide. Third was about three people: Joab the backstabber, Shimei the curse-r, and Barzillai the old man.  David asked his son to mind his unfinished business and deal with them accordingly. To Joab and Shimei, for the wrong they did, and to Barzillai, for the kindness he gave.  An exact application of the firmness and faith he’s charging his son to embrace. He needs one and the other on both sides of the scale. For a leader is not called merely to police the violators and warn the public, but one who upholds good deeds to inspire the people and further promote God. He’s both the God of mercy and the God of wrath. A God we have to fear, and the God we can embrace. It needs to be a fair reflection.

To my kids, I am quite heavy on the ‘wrath’ side. Sometimes familiarity robs us of the simple joys found in gratitude and appreciation. I have to work on that. But my scale is not balanced with those outside my family either. To maintain a pleasurable relationship, aren’t we all more inclined to be generous with praise and cautious with rebuke? We see our friends blurt out harsh words, post indecent links, curse their parents, complain about the government - - and we do nothing. We somehow hope our inspirational quotes would strike a chord somewhere. David gave him specific names. Shouldn’t we be direct as well?  Check your scales again. And be fair.