Tag: fame and fortune
The half has not been told!
Scripture reading for April 24: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) God appeared to him early in his rule and asked him what he needed. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people and knowledge. (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well. Solomon became well-known for his wisdom and for the wealth that God had lavished on him.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She wanted to come and see for herself and when she arrived and took it all in, her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2nd Chronicles 9:6) This pagan Queen also made another remark that is amazing. She praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved his people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence. It appears that this wisdom rubs off!
The Queen of Sheba also lavished gifts of gold and spices on Solomon. She gave him over 25 tons of gold by our measure! A king who is full of wisdom deserves great honor and recognition!
Well, how does this story from 3000 years ago affect us today? Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke records that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul records that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told! When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!
Not only that, but as Solomon’s fame spread far and wide, so Jesus Christ’s fame is spreading to all the nations! As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so we are to honor Jesus Christ and give our tithes and lives to Him who is worthy! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish his fame and wisdom for all who will listen! We bring him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!