by Maria Rudolph
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Read James 3:1–12
I grew up in Germany, with today being St Nicholas Day. Now, it is my children’s turn to clean their shoes on the eve of 6 December and place them neatly outside their bedroom door. When they awake, they will find small goodies in their shoes - lollies, nuts and gifts. St Nicholas Day is a joyful event of giving and receiving.
Nicholas was the 4th-century bishop of Myra, located in modern-day Türkiye (Turkey). The stories surrounding his generous giving and godly conduct have somehow taken on a life of their own and curiously culminated in the modern-day creation of Santa Claus. While this is a far cry from the original person of Bishop Nicholas, it serves as yet another reminder of God, the giver of all things. St Nicholas is credited with this quote - ‘The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.’
How blessed we are with godly quotes from him and many other faithful Christians throughout the ages. How blessed we are with Scripture verses full of wisdom said and recorded by the people of old. Yet an observation and warning from St James in his epistle is true for all of them and us - ‘Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be’ (James 3:10). Even well-quoted people do not always use their tongues appropriately.
We already focus on giving gifts and sharing kind actions during this Advent season. But let us also focus on our tongues. Martin Luther instructs us in his Small Catechism on the eighth commandment:
Do not give false testimony. What does this mean? We should honour and love God and so we should not tell lies about other people, give their secrets away, talk about them behind their back, or damage their reputation in any way. Instead, we should speak up for them, say only good things about them, and explain their actions in the kindest way.
It takes effort to use our tongues appropriately, but with a focus on the giver of every good and perfect gift, we are on the right track. Let us all challenge ourselves to take note of our tongue and pray daily that we may use it solely for blessing.
Holy Spirit, living water, we need your help and guidance. We do not want to be a spring from which fresh and saltwater flow simultaneously. But we trip up and fail. Fill us with your living water so our cup overflows into our lives and the people around us from the spring of life inside us. Store the fruit of your Spirit in our hearts abundantly, so our mouth speaks of what our hearts are full of. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Maria is overjoyed to be a candidate for ordination as a pastor of the LCANZ while serving the St Johns Perth congregation and supporting the ministry of her pastor husband, Michael, at Concordia Duncraig congregation in Western Australia. They are parents to three children who are busy with primary and secondary schooling. Maria also serves the church as a member of the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations.
What do you want?
by Linda Macqueen
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So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong … (1 Kings 3:9).
Read 1 Kings 3:1–15
Imagine for a moment that God appears before you and says, ‘Ask me to give you whatever you want.’ What springs immediately to mind? Would you ask for your problems at work or in your family to go away, or healing for a loved one, or financial security, or perhaps peace in the world?
In today’s reading, God invites Solomon, a young and inexperienced king, to ask for anything he wants. First, let’s look at what Solomon does not ask for. He does not ask for the death or demise of his enemies (‘Give me a safe and stress-free life’). He does not ask God to cover Adonijah head to toe in agonising boils that never heal (‘Give me justice’). He does not ask for wealth and prestige (‘Give me power and security’).
Instead, Solomon asks for ‘a discerning heart’, wisdom to govern God’s people well, to do what is right. His motivation is not self-centred; instead, it is rooted in his awareness of his own limitations and his desire to serve God and others faithfully.
Solomon’s request delights God. God not only grants him unmatched wisdom but also blesses him with what he didn’t ask for: wealth and honour. The blessings flowed from Solomon’s request that aligned with God’s own heart – a humble desire to serve and lead justly.
We often come to God with our lists of wants and needs. There’s nothing wrong with asking God for help in all areas of life; however, Solomon’s story invites us to examine our motivations. Are we asking for things that serve only ourselves, or are we seeking what will enable us to grow our spiritual muscles and to love God and our neighbour more fully?
Father God, change my heart to match the desires of your own heart. Help me to seek not my own will but your good and gracious will – for me and for others. Help me to trust that, just as you did with Solomon, you will delight in giving me what I truly need. Amen.
Linda Macqueen retired in September 2025, having served 26 years as editor of The Lutheran and Communications Manager for the LCANZ. She has rapidly adapted to retirement, happily and energetically bringing her long-neglected home and garden back to life. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills with her husband, Mark, and with their household’s lord and master, Nelson the rescued galah.
True authority is your friend
by Linda Macqueen
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So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires (1 Kings 2:2b,3a).
Read 1 Kings 1:32–2:4
Authority gets bad reviews these days. That’s probably because we so often see people using their authority for selfish – even evil – purposes. But authority, used the way God intended, is a blessing. Properly exercised, authority creates order and security, promotes justice and frees people to thrive.
Today, we see old King David ready to pass on the mantle of leadership. Adonijah, having attempted to seize the throne for himself, is suddenly struck with panic, his self-appointed authority dissolving like jelly under the weight of David’s God-given authority. In contrast, unassuming Solomon, the rightful heir, becomes strong and resolute. His character is forged into steel by David’s clear, decisive command and blessing.
David’s authority was not merely political; his words shaped destinies. Solomon received not only the crown but also a charge: ‘Be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires.’ David’s authority equipped Solomon to face the challenges ahead with confidence and courage, and with the support of the people.
Yet David’s authority, as mighty as it was, points us to a greater authority – one given by God to Jesus. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus exercising authority over sickness, storms, evil spirits and even death itself. His authority was absolute because it came from the Father himself. Unlike David, whose authority was limited to a nation, Jesus’ authority extends over all creation and all the powers of darkness.
With Solomon, we are called to stand firm and trust in the One who holds ultimate authority. When we recognise Christ’s authority in our lives, our courage is kindled, and fear is sent packing. May we walk confidently, knowing that he is for us, his word is final, and his kingdom will stand forever.
Dear Jesus, forgive me for forgetting that you have authority over everything in heaven and on earth, over powers and dominions, even death. I bring to you my fears and anxieties and lay them at your feet. Just say the word and banish them from my heart and mind today. Amen.
Linda Macqueen retired in September 2025, having served 26 years as editor of The Lutheran and Communications Manager for the LCANZ. She has rapidly adapted to retirement, happily and energetically bringing her long-neglected home and garden back to life. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills with her husband, Mark, and with their household’s lord and master, Nelson the rescued galah.
True greatness
by Linda Macqueen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Solomon … shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place (1 Kings 1:30b).
Read 1 Kings 1:5–31
This reading describes a dramatic event in the history of Israel’s monarchy. In today’s language, we might call it a military coup. Adonijah, an elder brother of Solomon, defies the authority of his father, King David, gathers around him fickle religious and political leaders, disloyal factions of the army and opportunistic members of his own family, and declares himself king. He makes lavish public sacrifices, but this is not done to honour God; it’s feigned humility and reverence designed to garner the support of the people. This overgrown, spoilt brat does not sound anything like the descendant of David whom God had promised would continue the royal bloodline (2 Samuel 7:11b–16).
Meanwhile, young Solomon is waiting quietly and patiently in the background. Like his father before him, he does not put his name forward to be king. And unlike his brother, Solomon does not grasp power, fame or anything else that might prop up a fragile ego. It’s no surprise then that it is Solomon, not Adonijah, whom God establishes as king of Israel.
This pattern is seen time and time again in God’s dealings with his people. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). In Jesus, we see humility perfected. Though he was God, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and obeying God even to death on the cross (Philippians 2:5–8). His leadership was marked not by self-promotion, but by self-sacrifice, love and service.
Whether it is found in a kitchen or a boardroom, true greatness in the kingdom of God always has and always will be clothed in humility and self-denial.
Heavenly Father, help me to reject the spirit of Adonijah – the temptation to use my knowledge, position or strength to promote myself. Instead, help me to adopt the humility of Solomon and, ultimately, of Jesus: to trust your timing, to wait patiently for your call, to serve with humility wherever you have placed me, and (if you ask me) to lead with gentleness and grace. Amen.
Linda Macqueen retired in September 2025, having served 26 years as editor of The Lutheran and Communications Manager for the LCANZ. She has rapidly adapted to retirement, happily and energetically bringing her long-neglected home and garden back to life. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills with her husband, Mark, and with their household’s lord and master, Nelson the rescued galah.