Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 July 1915 — “ASK WHAT I SHALL GIVE THEE” [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

“ASK WHAT I SHALL GIVE THEE”

1 Kings 3:s-15.—July 18. What Are Dreams? —When They Should Be Followed Solomon's Dream—His Heart Conditions Reflected —His Realization of His Responsibilities—His Humility— His Request—God’s Approval and the Happy Results Which Followed. “The fear of Jehovah the beginning of wisdom.”—Proverbs 9:10. SOLOMON initiated his reign by making a great feast for his people at Gibeon. The account tells that he offered a thousand burnt offerings unto the Lord. This does jot signify that the animals were burned entire, but that certain portions, particularly the fat. were burned as an offering to the Lord, while the food portions became the basis of the feast. We can see the wisdom of such a general acknowledgment of God and His inauguration of a new king; and the feast signified the king’s good will and his desire to make his reign one of blessing to the people. The Divine ordering of the matter was recognized by the Israelites, who perceived that all things were to be done with an eye to God's approval. Are Dreams Significant?

During this feast, which probably lasted several days, King Solomon had the wonderful dream narrated in our lesson. That it was supernatural there can be no doubt. Similarly God revealed Himself to others in ancient times, and especially to His people Israel, who had come into covenant relationship with Him at Mount Sinai through Moses. But He was not in covenant relationship with the people of other nations, who were, we read, strangers, foreigners, outcasts —not In covenant relationship with God. Although the Christum Church is peculiarly in* relationship with God, and in a much closer relationship than that

of the .Jewish Law, nev e r theless we must not suppose that all dreams which even consecrated Christians may have are to be regarded as inspired. Very evidently the majority <>f our dreams are merely wanderings of our mind because we are not

i sound asleep. For (tod to make fewer ’ communications with Spiritual Israel , by dreams would not signify a lesser i interest in their affairs, but rather that ! He had otherwise provided for their ■ guidance—in the Bible. Additionally. ' we learn that He wishes us to walk 1 by fait h and not by sight: an 1 to direct J us continually by dreams would be to | Interfere with this walking by faith. i St. Paul tells us that Gods Word is . sullii ieni that the man of God may tie ! thoroughly furnished unto every good work. (2 Timothy 3:10, 17.) But there is nothing to hinder God from using a dream as a means of instructing His ! spiritual children if that should seem at any time to be tile proper course. Many of the Lord's people have had ; experience with dreams which seenjled to give them iust ruction. Nevertheless there is but one sure Way of receiving jlreams—to interpret them only in fuli accord with the Scriptures. The Apostle suggests that if an angel i.should proclaim any other Gospel than this, it should be rejected. Similarly, I if a dream should suggest any other : Gospel, it should be rejected. Solomon’s Wise Choice. In King Solomon's dream the Lord appeared to him, saying. “Ask what I shall give thee." So God is asking of all who would become His children. I He desires to do them good, but wishes : them to realize their needs and to ? make requests accordingly. Solomon’s answer in his dream shows a beautiful simplicity of character for i a young prince just come to the throne. He recounted God's mercy to his fa-

ther David, and declared that this was in proportion as King David had walked faithfully with God in righteousness of heart. Then he recounted his own littleness, weakness and insufficiency for the great position to which lie had been brought because of Divine appreciation

of his father David. Touchingly he 1 declared, “I am but a little child." This reminds us of the Apostle’s | words, "When I am weak, then I am strong.” This was really the strength of Solomon's character; namely, that he was meek, teachable, like a little child —not boastful or self-confident, not blind to the privileges of his work. Because of the responsibilities of the kingdom, for which he felt himself so incompetent. Solomon prayed. “Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people [to administer justice to them], that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able t<> judge this Thy so great people?” - ‘ . Is it any wonder that we read further that in the dream the Lord manifested Ills good pleasure at this request? “And God said unto him. Because thou hast asked this thing, * * * Jo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shah any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee * • • both riches and honor.”

King Solomon —The Wise Han.

King Solomon Sacrificing in Gibcon.