God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said after good thought, “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; ...” 

It was a request that pleased the Lord, and God said to him, “Because you have asked for this, and not asked for yourself long life or riches, ... but have asked for understanding to discern what is right... Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind.” And Solomon served God and his people well, with understanding for many years. 

Teaching the Romans about the Love of God and His son Jesus Christ was the passion of St. Paul’s work. He always put forward to them that they were loved beyond their limited imaginations. He offered that love was given in an unlimited quantity, and a constant stream, and all we need do is accept it and respond to it. 

That love is so strong that no one can separate us from it, or take it away. Not any of the hardships of life, or the perils of living; It is constant, continuous and certain; we can depend on it. He was so sure, he stated in unequivocal fashion: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else n all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That surety continues in the faith and understanding of many to this date.  

Jesus took time and parables to bring the Apostles and followers to a sense and understanding of the what and where and how of The Kingdom of heaven; that place we should all strive for in this life and the life to come. At first he used the most miniscule of seeds, that of the mustard plant, to show them that when planted it would grow into a great shrub and tree; so big that the birds will build nests in it.

Then he offered how adding a small amount of yeast to three measures flour, until it is all leavened, and then baked will make a goodly quantity of bread. He then spoke of a merchant of pearls, on finding one of great value, sold all he had to possess that one. 

The value of that one was an example of how great the value of the Kingdom of God really was; how much it was really worth more than anything we have ever had; and this is what we should strive for; this is what God offers us, a value beyond our imagination. It may seem insignificant now, but will when the time comes, be of great value. We are to understand it is of more value than anything and all else.  AMEN

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.