"Very Impressive! Very, Very Impressive!"

Scripture Passage

2 Chronicles 8:1-18; 1 Kings 9:15-10:13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12; 1 Kings 10:14-29; 2 Chronicles 9:13-28; 2 Chronicles 1:14-17

Scripture Focus

When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cupbearers, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD. (1 Kings 10:4-5 NLT)

Observation

Solomon’s fame as a king of wealth and wisdom has spread so broadly that the Queen of Sheba decides to pay a visit. Sheba was a territory well known as a center of trade, especially in gold and spices. The truth is, this was likely a business visit to keep tabs on the competition as much as it may have been a social call to marvel at Solomon’s achievements.

Still, the Queen was impressed! “I had not heard the half of it!” she declared. “Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told” (1 Kings 10:7 NLT). Solomon’s grandeur must have been astonishing!

For me, today, the wonder is not over Solomon’s affluence, but over what Jesus says about Solomon’s best day. Jesus says, on his best day, Solomon’s opulence didn’t hold a candle to the simple wonder of a lily of the field (Luke 12:27). And then He says…

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:28 NIV)

To whatever degree I marvel at the wealth and opulence of Solomon’s achievements—if I’m going to be a “Bible-believing Christian”—I’d better marvel at least that much and more at God’s gracious, generous, unending care for me! Now that is astonishing!