FEMALE PROMISE SEEKERS SERIES
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA
The Queen of Sheba was a woman of great wealth, beauty, and power. Her kingdom was in Ethiopia and was noted for its great wealth. Her legendary voyage led her to Jerusalem to verify for herself the validity of what she heard about King Solomon’s wisdom and amassed wealth.
She heard about Solomon’s fame and his relationship to the LORD, and at the time of her visitation, she quizzed him by asking difficult questions. However, because of his nimbleness, intelligence, and being well versed in every subject matter, there wasn’t anything too hard for him to elaborate on; (1 Ki. 10:1, 3). Solomon’s wisdom was revealed in his structure, and his life revealed his thoughts. What he built reflected what was on the inside both privately and publicly.
The Queen was quite impressed, and she was overwhelmed to see the level of order and structure that King Solomon built in running his kingdom; (v.5). He was a master builder, organizer, and expert businessman. He ran his kingdom with grandeur and precise order. He was also a prolific writer and poet; he authored most of the Book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and the Book of Ecclesiastes.
The Queen traveled with a great caravan filled with gifts for King Solomon. After witnessing all that she had heard and declared to be true, she said to the King, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.” Then she presented him with great gifts, as was customary; (1 Ki. 10:6-10).
In the story of the birth of the Christ Child, the wise men brought baby Jesus frankincense, gold, and myrrh; (Isa. 60:6; Matt. 2:11). These were the richest gifts that could be offered to a newborn king. They bowed down and privately present their gifts before the King as was customary. They presented Him with Frankincense, [a perfume]. Gold, [represents riches]. And Myrrh, [commonly used as an anointing oil]. (Gen. 43:11; 1 Ki. 10:2; Ps. 72:10-15.)
The three gifts had spiritual meanings as well: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense as a symbol of deity, often burned as incense. Myrrh was a perfume; also used as an embalming oil, (as a symbol of death).
TAKE ME TO THE KING
How befitting it is to present a King with a gift; (1 Ki, 4:21; 2 Ki. 17:3; 2 Chron. 17:5; 32:23). What gift can we bring before the Lord when we come into His presence seeking wisdom?
- We are to offer God the sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15-16).
- Give thanks unto the Lord (Ps. 18:49).
- Give God the glory rightly due to Him (Ps. 96:8).
- Love God with your whole heart (Luke 10:27; Matt. 6:21; 22:37).
- Present your body as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:10).
- Lift up the name of Jesus (John 12:32; Ps. 148:13).
- Be a cheerful giver; God loves a cheerful giver (2nd Cor. 9:7).
- Reverence the King and show your allegiance (Eccl. 12:12).
PROMISE SEEKER
The Queen of Sheba was in search of wisdom and truth. All that she heard about King Solomon proved to be the truth. He was filled with wisdom beyond human understanding. She traveled 12,000 miles from Ethiopia to Israel by camel to meet the wisest earthly king.
Like Sheba, when we seek the promises of God, distance should not stop us. Time cannot hinder or restrict us because God does not operate by earthly laws. He overrides time, and He occupies all space. Nothing can stop us from getting to God and seeking the promises He graciously gave us.
If we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. If anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who freely gives to those who ask; (1 Tim. 1:7). He has manifold wisdom and He longs to share His secrets with those who love Him. He invites us to come and reason with Him. He is willing to show us great and mighty things that we are not aware of. Every promise belongs to us because we are heirs, seeds of Abraham.
Prayer
My prayer for you is that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner man, so that Christ may richly dwell in your heart through faith. Let us come boldly to the throne of our merciful God. This is where we find grace to help us in the time of need; (Eph. 3:16-17a; Heb. 4:16). Father God, whenever we’re in your presence, there’s the fullness of joy and peace. Our desire is to be closer to you and dependent upon you for everything. In Jesus’ Name Amen.
*Photo Credits: Noire 3000 Bible, by James C. Lewis
*Wise Men Photo Credit: Pinterest
Thank you. You already know what for. You help me to see the things that I need to see.
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Hi Greggy,
It’s always nice to read a comment from you. I’m just the messenger. God has so much more in store for you my friend. ^_^
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