Are You Happy?

2 Chronicles 9:7

How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

Maybe it was the trend of the generation before us. But I’ve heard quite a lot stories of this kind: guest arrives in a home, the homemaker brings out their best linen, best plates, best recipes, all at the newcomer’s disposal, while her own kids wonder: ‘how come we don’t get to use those?’  I don’t need to go far into your homes. It happened in mine. My husband’s too. We’ve been teasing our moms about that for the longest time. Good thing their smiles and thoughtfulness weren’t for special occasions too. Because in some families, such were the sad cases.  

Reading again the Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon account, I wonder what difference would it make if her remark ‘How happy your men must be!’ wasn’t true at all. What if it was just a best foot forward show like what schools do when a DepEd representative visits, or when DOH officials check the sanitation of your business?  Imagine her coming in, overwhelmed with Solomon’s wisdom, and the order in his palace, and his pious temple service, and all she had were praises to God and commendations to the king, but at her going, everything shifts back to ‘normal’: the king locked in his library, the officials cursing one another, and the servants with their silenced complaints, ‘Happy? Yeah right!’ How ironic if would have been if that pagan queen praised God for their act, but the insiders weren’t a bit blessed at all.

I have two take homes here. First, as leaders (parents, teachers, bosses, etc), let’s ask ourselves, is our people really happy with us? Is the reputation outsiders hear runs parallel with what’s really happening inside? We may be good leaders up there, bringing down the house and all, but are we bringing it home? Second, as recipients of God’s wisdom, we who claim to have heard and known His word and will, can outsiders see the difference at all? Or are we the Pharisees in Matthew 12 who were close to the kingdom but with hearts far from the King? Or maybe the better question is, if all that there is in life is hearing His wisdom, if all He requires is we sit at His feet and read His Word, will our hearts be content and say ‘How happy am I!’ For if that’s not your case, does it follow then that this is the main reason why you’re not happy in life?   

The Wise Choice

2 Chronicles 1:11

God said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king..’

When I was studying Rilian’s homeschool curriculum last night, I found a very interesting note to parents: Don’t answer your child’s questions, help them find the answers.  Such a wise thought! I remember in senior high when we were preparing for a standardized test, instead of having regular classes, all we did in class for weeks was to take sample tests. They showered us with tips on how to outsmart the items, like that process of elimination for multiple choices. It was actually helpful. So yes, the school achieved its goal of getting high pass percentage, meaning good community reputation. But I don’t think it equipped us with much for college life. I believe it would have been better if they trained us on how to study well, and not just pass a mark. It may have given us a good headstart, but still not a guarantee that we’ll make it very far.  Oh well.

‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you’ was the Lord’s offer to Solomon. It was a chance of a lifetime. A genie experience every Disney child dreams of.  But Solomon didn’t find it in some cave of wonders. He was in God’s Tent of Meeting when it found him. He was seeking God first when all these things were offered to him as well. So what would a young, new king ask from the Provider of all things? Given the vastness of his task and how numerous Israel was at this time, I would have easily blurted ‘happy ever after’ for everyone. That would have made him popular and comfortable, and the country satisfied. Then they all can enjoy their fairy tale life. But how commendable that Solomon asked God for nothing but wisdom. A light for the journey instead of some glittering destination. He sought not an escape route, nor an easier path, but to know the right ones. God was pleased that his heart was towards His face and not His hands. The same desire the chronicler wanted the remnants to take home given their dim present. A lottery win may look appealing, but the long walk would bring them farther.     

In our Ladies Lifegroup last Wednesday, we came across these words from C.Samuel Storms: ‘Paul did not pray that they be spared suffering. Nor did he request that material wealth be added to their spiritual zeal. He said nothing about illness, or healing, or better jobs, or any of those things for which we pray and ask others to pray in our behalf. Such requests are not always inappropriate, but we see Paul considered spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment of greater value.’  Very true.  How often were our prayers so limited to getting products instead of going through the process. We all wish for wealth and honor and long life, but do what with those? What will we gain if we have all things now and in abundance? How else will we grow in excellence, mature in character and pursue faith if we’re spoonfed? Our earthly desires may give us a good headstart, but wisdom will see us to the finish line - - and with flying colors! Choose wisely :>

Feet of the Elderly

1 Kings 12:14

My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.

Early this morning, we brought my family to the airport after staying with us for eight days. It was sadder this time because I was the one left behind. I never  thought I’d cry hard when I got home. With their bedsheets still there, some shared-food left in the fridge, the slippers they used - - every corner flashed detailed memories.  How I wish I could have another day spent with them. Better yet, have a total rewind. For then, I will choose differently. I guess I’d sit more at their feet instead of preferring that Martha apron, pleasing (and impressing) them with all comforts and food I know. I’d also be more accepting and tolerant of their countless, repetitive comments and suggestions rather than that raised defensive shield, for sadly, it did rob us some happy afternoon chats. Oh how could I fool myself that I’m wiser now?  Or that I’m better?

Taking Solomon’s place is a big shoe to fill: the wisest man of his time, wealthy and famous, and whose rule is marked with peace and prosperity. It will surely put the heir in overwhelming expectations, if not insecurity. But Rehoboam neither cared nor pursued those. He wanted to be different. The plea of his people was to lighten their loads, which probably meant taxes for no Israelite was into forced labor. In Solomon’s time, the prosperity of the palace was felt at every home. 'Twas a shared experience. With Rehoboam’s reply of heavier yoke, he intended to widen the gap of royalty and commoners, and draw a line between power and follower. In Solomon’s rule, he acknowledged David’s men and allowed them to continue in their service. Although the wisest, he kept a personal adviser, Zabud, the son of possibly the Nathan who was also close to his father.   But Rehoboam discarded Solomon’s people. He wanted his staff to be filled with fresh blood, new faces, different people. He knew he can’t surpass his father’s wisdom, and so he thought whips can be his concentration and fear his intimidation. We’ll at least he achieved his goal of being differently famous. For in his term birthed the infamous divided kingdom. 

We all want to be better. To discover different routes and conquer uncharted lands. We see science and technology advancing everyday. But not without the aid of previous, primitive studies. It may be rusty and wrong, but even those were kept to make sure we won’t walk that road again. So is the wisdom of the elderly. They may not know the latest gadget or business trends, but it doesn’t mean their principles and tips are outdated. In Psalm 92, the righteous elderly  stays fresh and green, flourishing and bearing fruit. Of course the qualifier is righteousness and the goal is to point the young to God. Age may be our big difference. The present may be our advantage. But we can’t discredit the many years they have walked with God. Soon we’ll have our chance. Our grandkids may soon laugh at our iPads and Blackberries. But by then, we’ll agree with now 92 year old Andy Rooney, "The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person."

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? :>