Topic: Lesson from Royalty [Tuesday March 8, 2016]
Text: 1 Kings 10:1-13
Key Verse: “And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1).
Most cultures place high value on spices and seasonings. It was the quest for a shortcut to the spice- producing nations of the East that resulted in Christopher Columbus’ voyage of 1492 and his discovery of America.
It was intended to discover a shorter all-water route to China and India than the route around Africa that was being opened up by the Portuguese. From our text, the Queen of Sheba came searching for something too. Her aim was not to acquire material things; she had enough. Somehow, she knew that Solomon’s success was due to his relationship with the God of Israel. So, she came to see for herself the blessings that Solomon enjoyed. She arrived with great pomp and wealth.
Her camels were laden with gold and spices for Solomon. When she met with the king, she plied Solomon with difficult questions. Of course, Solomon had no problem answering any of these, impressing the Queen who exclaimed that the report she heard in her own country about his achievements and wisdom was true.
The Queen of Sheba wasn’t just impressed with Solomon’s wisdom, she was also impressed by his riches and how he used those riches for his people. It is amazing that she made the long journey to Israel. What could she possibly want to ask King Solomon that could not be asked of someone in her own pagan country? She would have had “seers”, “astronomers”, “clairvoyants”, “magicians” at her service. The subject of utmost importance that warranted a trip of this magnitude was “concerning the name of the Lord”.
What impressed her more than his position, power prosperity and prestige was his relationship with his God. When she learned that Solomon’s God was the One responsible for his glory, she wanted to know more! What is the object of your search, your journey and your desire in the world?
Thought for the day: Seeking heaven alone brings true happiness.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 5-7
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
