“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. 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 that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.
“She said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.’ Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon…
“And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land.” 1 Kings 10:1-1-10,13
The Queen of Sheba and her retinue made the thousand-mile journey to Jerusalem, having heard of Solomon’s fame. Curious and observant, she bore gifts and questions. In return, the king answered every inquiry and displayed such varied and widespread splendor that she was struck breathless with awe. Prepared to be amazed, she was dumbfounded at the depth of His wisdom and happy order of his kingdom, and left having procured more than she could have imagined in her royal encounter.
Oh, many are the allures that take our breath! Controlled by the flesh, emotions and impulses are captivated by excitement, lusts, instant gratification. The mind is titillated by trending thought leaders, sound bites, popular (even if groundless) opinion. In the Spirit, we set mind and effort above, and seek out the mind of Christ. We delight to get to Jesus and discover His treasure. (Galatians 5:16; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:1-2)
What regularly captures our affection and breath? Where are we wasting energy and astonishment? What effort do we direct and expend to prepare heart, mind, and body to know Jesus? How far are we willing to go, what time and attention to give, to learn His ways and effects? Anticipating much when we pursue the King always yields more than we expect. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Lord, inspire me daily to go after Your wisdom and worth, and share Your treasure with others.
