1 Kings 10:1-3 - Now when the queen of Sheba heard of
the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with
hard questions. She came to Jerusalem
with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and
precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her
mind. And Solomon answered all her
questions; there was nothing hidden from the king which he could not explain to
her.
Solomon’s wisdom was world renown…he drew to his kingdom
many like the Queen of Sheba. She had
heard of this king…richer than any other…wiser than any man known to the earth.
She just could not believe that it was true….so she packed gifts…and traveled
by camel to meet with him and test his knowledge. God granted Solomon the answer to any question
she asked….every detail he needed to explain her hard questions… was carefully
placed in his mind.
God allowed much of Solomon’s wisdom to be shared with us
today….for many of Solomon’s wise sayings are recorded in the Bible. Most Jewish scholars agree that he wrote the book
of Proverbs and Song of Solomon. He may
have written Ecclesiastes as well…..but that is not supported by all Bible
scholars. The depth of his wisdom contained in these pages encompasses
everything we need to know to live a full...meaningful life with God at our
side.
I struggled last night in reading this chapter….not really
feeling any understanding or application for my life. I do not feel wise by any standard. Some friends call me sensible…while others
describe me as radical...and still
others just call me crazy. I have asked God for wisdom many times in my prayers
…and thought I had claimed James 1:5….which
says….. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
But perhaps my doubts….and feelings of inadequacy overrode the promise
that these words contain. Maybe God hasn’t
granted my request because I have a Sheba attitude….not believing…having to
test Solomon with questions.
There was a point in this story
where Sheba’s heart changed…and she accepted that Solomon was as wise as others
claimed. Maybe that is what I should
pray for…a change of heart….to begin to believe that I can have the promise…and
am in no way limited by the human abilities I was born with…so I can accept the
great gifts God gives….that turn our weaknesses into wonders of his glory and
power.
Father…you know my doubting
heart…that has trouble believing that I can even memorize a simple set of words
to a song. Help me Lord to throw off the
unbelief and doubt that satan uses to trap me in a limited world….and accept as
Sheba did…the reality of your great power.
I ask you for wisdom once again God…but this time I also ask that you
give me the change of heart I need to believe that you have given me this great
gift of knowledge. Amen.
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