Sene 23 — June 30

King Solomon, Who Asked for Wisdom

Today we remember Solomon, a king who lived long, long ago. He was the son of King David, who wrote many of the songs in the Bible called the Psalms. When David grew very old, he chose Solomon to be the next king. They led young Solomon to a special spring called Gihon, and there a priest named Zadok poured holy oil on his head to bless him. Then a trumpet blew, and all the people cheered, "Long live King Solomon!"

One night God came to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask Me for anything you want." Solomon could have asked for money, or a long life, or to win every battle. Instead he said, "I am only like a little child, and I do not know how to lead all these people. Please give me a wise heart so I can tell what is right from what is wrong." This prayer pleased God so much that He gave Solomon more wisdom than anyone who ever lived, and riches and honor too, even though Solomon never asked for those.

One day two women came to Solomon, both saying the same baby boy was theirs. How could the king know who was telling the truth? Wise Solomon watched carefully. The real mother loved her child so much that she would rather give him away than see him hurt. By her loving heart, Solomon knew she was the true mother, and he gave the baby back to her. Everyone marveled at the wisdom God had given him.

Solomon also built a beautiful house for God, called the Temple, where people could come to pray. He spoke three thousand wise sayings (we call them proverbs) and wrote hundreds of songs. He was king for forty years, and then he died in peace.

I am only like a little child. Please give me a wise heart, so I can tell what is right from what is wrong.— Solomon's prayer

Abba Nob, the Brave Monk

We also remember a holy man named Abba Nob (you can say it "AH-bah Nobe"). He was a monk, which means he lived a quiet life of prayer in a monastery, a peaceful home where people pray together to God.

In those days a cruel ruler did not want people to love Jesus. Abba Nob was told to stop following Jesus and to bow down to a statue instead. Abba Nob said no. He answered bravely, "I will never leave my Lord Jesus Christ." Because he stayed faithful, he was treated harshly and shut away in a lonely place for seven long years. Through all of it, God gave him strength, and he never stopped loving God.

Then a kind new emperor named Constantine became the ruler. He loved Jesus, and he sent a message all over the land: every person locked up for following Jesus must be set free. When the doors opened, the faithful people sang and thanked God with joy. Abba Nob was found and brought safely to a city called Antinoe, where the Christians were so glad to see him that they made him a priest.

After this, Abba Nob and many other holy friends traveled to meet the good emperor. As they passed by, hundreds of young women came out singing to welcome them, like a happy parade. The emperor honored them and asked them to bless him. Then Abba Nob went home to his monastery, where he served God faithfully until God called him to heaven.

I will never leave my Lord Jesus Christ.— Abba Nob

Three More Friends of God

On this day we also remember three more saints by name: Markora, Thomas, and Philip. We do not know all of their stories, but the Church keeps their names with love. They were friends of God who lived for Him, and we thank Him for them today.