Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

Prayer MeetingTopicFor July 7SOLOMON'S PRAYERI Kings 3: 5-15Rev. Robert W. McMillanSolomon was the son of KingDavid. His mother was Bathsheba, and hewas reared under the tutelage of Nathanthe Prophet. He provides a study incontrasts. In one place we read, "And theLord loved him" (II Sam. 12:24). Inanother place — "Nevertheless even himdid outlandish women cause to sin" (Neh.13:26).The Lord appeared to Solomon earlyin his reign in a dream: "Ask what I shallgive thee." Solomon's request was humble:"Give thy servant an understanding heartto judge thy people." This reply pleasedGod. He had asked for what God was mostwilling to give. Much of what we read ofSolomon exemplifies this divinelybestowed wisdom. Beginning with hisjudgment in the case of the two harlotscontesting for the same child (vv. 16-28),Solomon demonstrated his skill as a poet,teacher, botanist, horticulturalist,zoologist, musician, architect — in fact, itwould be hard to think of a field ofknowledge in which Solomon did notdistinguish himself.But what a paradox! There appearsin this clever, divinely-gifted king,examples of outrageous folly. Chief amongthese would be his policy of cementingalliances with neighboring nations byadding princesses to his harem, untilSolomon had "seven hundred wives andthree hundred concubines" (I Kings 11:3).What quarreling and grief that harem musthave spawned! In time, the "wisest fool"became a tyrant. It was his son,Rehoboam, who uttered the dictum: "Myfather did lade you with a heavy yoke, Iwill add to your yoke; my father hathchastised you with whips, but I will chastiseyou with scorpions" (I Kings 12:11).As you discuss the topic, younaturally will ask how to reconcileSolomon's humble prayer with his subsequentsin and folly. In seeking to answerthis question, you may find these questionshelpful.1. What, specifically, did Solomonrequest? Even in the midst of his folly, wasthis gift ever lost? (v. 9)2. To what extent are God's promisesconditional? (v. 14)3. Those "1000 wives" — did theyserve Solomon's lust or his politics? Wouldhe have recognized them if he met them onthe street?4 How does the Book of Ecclesiastesindicate that Solomon repented of his sinsIUNE 9, 1971before he died? (Eccl. 12:13,14)5. What petitions may we make atthis meeting that we may be sure willplease the Lord? (v. 10)(Note: You, as the capable leader, maychoose Psalms and parallel references asdesired.)LORD'S DAY REFLECTIONSBy R.K. AtchisonTHE SECRET OF STRENGTHI Kings 2:2 — "Be thou strong thereforeand shew thyself a man."A great king was drawingnear the end of his earthlypilgrimage. His life had beencharacterized by an almost infinite varietyof experiences. His pathway had led all theway from shepherd hills and valleys to thethrone of a great kingdom. He knew whatit was to hear the adulation of men; heknew what it was to feel their scorn. Butnow all this was past. The days of gladnessand of sorrow were almost spent, and likemany another his highest hopes, so far asthis life is concerned, were centered inthose nearest to him.Solomon, his son, had been crownedking. The aged father called him into hispresence to speak words that surely musthave indelibly impressed themselves on hisheart. "Be strong and shew thyself a man."It is a sentiment that might well be incorporatedin the ethics of any aspiringsoul, but is especially addressed to theyoung, such as Solomon was, in formativedays, when traits of character are beingplanted and established.The poet Keats said:Where soil is, men growWhether to weeds or flowers.And if this philosophy is correct, which isopen to question, it is vitally important thatthis life should be so directed that the fruitsshall be for the betterment of his fellowsand the honor of his God.It was this same father who nowaddresses his son, who asked the question,"By what means shall a young man cleansehis way?" And if you will observe closelyyou will discover a very great similaritybetween the answer he there gives to hisown question, and the simple rules heproposes for Solomon's guidance now. The"code of honor" is not new, nor was it neweven in the time of David. The ways,statutes, commandments, judgments andtestimonies of God "as it is written in thelaw of Moses."The same principles of life applytoday. Real success is a deep-groundedthing. It is not measured by the coin of therealm. Real manhood has the same underpinningthat it had when Solomonlistened to his kingly father, indeed thesame as when Moses talked with God."The fear of the Lord is the beginning ofwisdom," and byit strength of charactermust be measured. Associate PresbyterianHEAVEN'S ARCHITECTWhile Michelangelo, the famoussculptor, was working on what became hismaster piece, a friend dropped in.Michelangelo showed Turn his work.A few months later, his friendhappened to call again. The friend asked,in great surprise, "Why have you done nomore work on that statue since I was lasthere?""No work! Don't you see? Here Ihave given a better form to his arm. ThereI have shaded more. Here I have given thisside of his face more expression." Hementioned a few other seemingly minorthings, trying to point out to his friend thework he had done."Yes," said his friend, "but those areonly trifles.""Trifles? True, they are trifles,"added Michelangelo. "But trifles makeperfection, and perfection is no trifle."So it is with the work of heaven'sgreat Architect, the Holy Spirit, uponGod's living stones — the Christians. Theynow are being fitted for God's spiritualhouse, or temple. But, oh, how painfullyslow the process sometimes appears!Nevertheless, as truly asMichelangelo gained his end, so surely willthe Holy Spirit bring about the consummationof God's plan. Every stone willfit into its place. The temple, more gloriousthan Solomon's, will have been reared tothe praise of His glory whose name it bears.R. B. Musselman, Sr."AS THY DAYS"When I was a little boy, I helped mymother store away apples. I put my littlearms around ever so many of them andtried to carry them. I managed for a step ortwo. Then out fell one, and another, andtwo or three more,till they were all rollingaround on the floor. Mother laughed. Sheput my tiny hands tightly around one appleand told me to carry that and then bringanother.Do not try to put your arms around ayear or even a week. Say, "Here is anotherday begun. Lord, help me to live it forThee. Give me just for today the help,patience, diligence, wisdom, tact, and thestrength that I need."—H. P. BarkerSHARON ANNIVERSARYSharon Congregation is expectingmany of you to attend the 125th anniversaryobservance on July 17 and 18.If you will be coming to this area byplane or train, Mr. and Mrs. MilfordHays or Mr. and Mrs. Earl Berry (bothMorning Sun addresses) will arrange tomeet you and take you to your host andhostess.13