The Genie in the Lamp with a Side Order of Magic Spell and Binding Legal Agreement, Week 13 - Day 1, 1 Kings 1-4

The Genie in the Lamp with a Side Order of Magic Spell and Binding Legal Agreement, Week 13 - Day 1,  1 Kings 1-4

I’ve got to wonder how many bad jokes, how many stories start off with the premise of the magic lamp.  You know, gal or a guy finds a lamp, rubs it and out pops a genie that will grant them three wishes.  In most of the joke or stories things don’t end up well for the finder of the lamp.  Some people try to treat God like the genie in the lamp. If they just rub Him the right way then they’ll get what they want.

Others ask God for stuff like they were doing some sort of magical incantation.  An opening “Oh God” with a pious “Pretty Please” followed quickly by a “In Jesus Name” to close out that spell.  If you just pray right, if you pray hard enough, then the magic words will do the trick.  Like Dorothy in Oz we just need to click our heels, while wearing our magical red prayer slippers and repeat, “I just want the answer to my prayer.  I just want the answer to my prayer.”

Then there’s the legal prayer.  Sometimes we call this name it and claim it.  If you can remember the verse and repeat the promise contained therein, God is obligated to grant your request.  For this one you get extra credit if you remember and mention the Scripture reference.  Also, you’re allowed to use the specific Bible translation that does the best job of saying exactly what you want it to say.  God said it, I claim it, that settles it.

Put them all together and you’ve got yourself a trifecta of God having to do whatever it is that you want Him to do.

Then there’s Solomon.  He actually gets that one wish.  In a dream God tells him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  Wow!  One request!  Solomon can ask for anything.  ANYTHING! No qualifiers, no limitations, your mileage won’t vary, valid in all states including the District of Columbia.

What would you ask for if you were in the same position?  What is this new King Solomon going to ask God for?

He asks for wisdom.  But it turns out that he was already pretty wise.  Consider that just a short time ago, David gave Solomon his final instructions as before he passed away.  And here is what David gave to Solomon as his charge.

To be strong and do everything that God required, walking in His ways, keeping all His commands.  Doing that would allow Solomon to prosper.  Deal with the Joab, an enemy of the past.  Show kindness to sons of Braillai, a friend of the past.  Then there’s Shimei, son of Gara, another past enemy who needs to be dealt with.  Then there’s Adohijah who was trying to take the role of kin.  There’s Abiathar, the renegade priest to be dealt with.  Wow, talk about a busy first week!

But in the end of David’s charge he calls Solomon “a man of wisdom.”  So why then does a man who is already wise, wise enough to secure his kingdom make his one request wisdom?

Because while Solomon may already be wise beyond his years, he’s also wise enough to know that his human wisdom isn’t up to the task.  He knows his limitations. He knows that he really doesn’t know how to carry out all his duties.  The people are too numerous.  His request is simple, be a servant with a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong.

The trick isn’t knowing how to rub the lamp.  The magic isn't in saying the right words in the right way.  We can’t trick or bind God with some legal mumbo jumbo.

We need to realize that it’s not the genie or ourselves who is in charge, it’s God who is in charge.  We need to realize that our words aren't magic, it’s only God who can work the magic of creation and salvation.  We need to realize that the law wasn't given to force God to act in a certain way, it was given to show us how much we need God.

And we too need to be wise.  Wise enough to realize that we can’t do it our own.  We need to be wise enough that we to admit that we don’t always know right from wrong.  We need to realize that the genie doesn't serve us, but it’s we that serve God.  And ask Him for the wisdom to walk in His ways, to keep His commandments, and His Spirit working in us so that we can do His will.  One request, one prayer that is the key to living the life that God wants us to live.

God, really only one way to end this.  Please grant me a spirit of discernment.  Give me the wisdom to know Your ways, to know right from wrong.  And then God, give me a heart to do what is right.  Not my right.  Not the world’s right.  Give me the heart to do Your right.  That’s all.  Amen

Leonard