(1Kgs.3:5,7-12; Ps.119:57,72,76-77,97,127-130; Rm.8:28-30; Mt.13:44-52) "The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple." Wisdom. The "pearl of great price." How precious the ability "to distinguish right from wrong" by the grace of God, and to choose the right way at all times. For finding the pearl is one thing, a gift from the Lord, but wisdom is revealed in him who "goes and sells all that he has and buys it," knowing there is no treasure greater than the heavenly light shining from the face of God. It is heaven we must desire. What else is of any worth, my friend? And in His justice, in His truth, in the wisdom and understanding that come from the touch of His hand and the words from His mouth alone will we find what is the desire of all the righteous souls. Solomon demonstrates that he "love[s] [the Lord's] commands more than gold," and this pleases the God who seeks to rule His heart. He shows that he is the son of his father David by coming humbly before the Lord, recognizing that he is "a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act." And such utter dependence on the Lord's grace He cannot but bless, declaring to His servant: "I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." Because the young king has made the desire to "know what is right" his request of his God, he receives this, and so much more. All knowledge, all wisdom is given to Solomon, and shall not be taken away. But perhaps we should note that what he is given here in such abundance, he shall not heed throughout his life – for he shall not always sell all else to follow in the light of the Lord's decrees. Perhaps none but Jesus Himself can do this wholeheartedly; but none should also make the riches of the earth, which contradict the heavenly treasure, his abiding desire, as the older king shall do. All must strive to remain in His light, to be as "the scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven… who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old," who serves as the angels that "separate the wicked from the righteous" – even on this earth distinguishing evil from good. "Brothers and sisters, we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Paul's words reflect the wisdom of God. For truly His elect are known to Him from before time; truly He calls us "to be conformed to the image of His Son." And truly we know that by the justification of our souls under the cross of Christ we shall come to the glorious presence of the Father in heaven. And this is all that matters. "Do you understand all these things?" Then place all in His hands. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: ""Heaven" from Listening to the Lamp, ninth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, you yourself are the pearl of the greatest price – let us find you and your Word at work in us this day. YHWH, let your kingdom come into our midst; let us seek it with all our heart. For nothing else has worth, nothing else lasts – only in you do we find a home. Let your wisdom fill us, LORD, like light from above. Let us listen to your Son's teaching that we may be conformed to His image. You desire to give us every good gift; it is your will to bring us to glory. May our desire be in accord with your own and all will work only for our good. And we shall come to Heaven, where you dwell. We shall come to the light of your face, O LORD, and gaze upon you forever. Your angels will gather us into your House, and there we will remain always. You invite us to ask of you our heart's desire, and you cannot but grant what you offer freely. May our desire please you, LORD, may it be your own, and we shall be blessed with your treasure.