The first verse of the tenth chapter of first Kings, opened up with the mention of a prominent Queen in the world at that time. The Queen of Sheba was from Southern Arabia which is around today’s Ethiopia. She heard of how Solomon’s fame was connected to the name of the Lord. So, Solomon was not just famous. His fame was linked to his devotion to God. The Queen had a clear mission; to taste and test the wisdom and wealth of Solomon. And she did not trivialize her visit, she prepared some hard questions to try Solomon.
The Queen of Sheba today refers to the:
Kingdom of the world; which always tries the Kingdom of God.
The Best in the world trying to prove the Bride of the Jesus; the church.
The Theories of the world (Evolution, Big-Bang etc) trying to prove the Truth of the Lord.
Believers must be always ready to represent and defend the course of the Kingdom. Like Apostle James would say, we must be always ready to contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. Equipping ourselves for those crucial moments when we are tested, will involve applying the wisdom of God.
The Wisdom of God
The Queen of Sheba arrived at Solomon’s Palace in an exquisite manner, showing off most of what she has acquired as a Queen. But as she showed off her worth, she didn’t hesitate to also share her heart to Solomon. And they both spent many hours chatting and discussion the happenings around the world.
Solomon exhibited an extensive application of knowledge, WISDOM. Wisdom is the application of understood knowledge. Some people know, but they don’t understand.
Others understand, but they don’t know how to apply it. Wisdom is knowing it, understanding it, and applying what you what know and understand. The Spirit of Wisdom is needed now more than ever before. People are asking questions; In our families, In the Churches, In the Workplaces, In the Schools, In the Colleges, we need people with the Spirit of Wisdom.
Just like Solomon, Joseph had the spirit of wisdom, he could interpret dreams, and he saved many people from dying from the famine. Daniel had the spirit of wisdom, he became the special adviser to many presidents, survived different presidents, and did not lose relevance, even in the midst of persecution.
Brethren, we need wisdom not to lose relevance in this fast-changing world. James said we should not assume we have Wisdom. We need to ask for it. Seek We need to seek Wisdom.
James 1: 5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Prov 4:5 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
You cannot have the spirit of wisdom and lose relevance. Wisdom keeps you relevant to your children, family, church, society, and to many generations to come.
After Solomon passed the test, the Queen of Sheba had testimonies about Solomon. The church is going through a test right now, and our prayer is that we would have a testimony after this test.
The Wealth from God
There was no doubt Solomon was extremely wealthy. About 666 talents of gold came in yearly among many other streams of income. One Talent is equal to about 1.8 million dollars today. So, you can guess how much gets into Solomon’s purse each year.
In the world, wealth is defined based on money and they attribute all their possessions to themselves. But as believers we know that wealth is beyond money, and God is the owner of everything we have. We are just managers. So, if God asks us to sell everything and give to the poor, (like he told the young man), we will obey. Why? Because we know a double fold comes with following him.
Yes, God wants us to be wealthy! III John 2 says “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” This entails Financial/Economic/Material prosperity, Prosperity in health (Health is Wealth) and Spiritual Prosperity. He wants us to live and flourish as a human being created in the image of God. He said, “he will supply all our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus”. God can do more than a stimulus check. He can give a sustenance check.
But when you get wealthy, consider this:
I Tim 6:17 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy”
Don’t be arrogant.
Deu 8:18 “For it is God who gives you power to get wealth”
Don’t put your hope in material wealth.
Prov 23:5 “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
Be rich in good deeds. Be generous. Give to the work of God.
Eph 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Someone said “Every money spent is gone; Every money you keep will be spent by someone else (when you die), Every money you give is yours forever.
3. The Waste without God
The word “But” in I Kings Chapter 11, is enough to summarize how Solomon’s life ended. Solomon had wisdom. He also had wealth. But he didn’t mix them together.
Wealth without Wisdom will lead to Waste.
Remember the prodigal son; he collected his wealth, didn’t apply wisdom, led to waste.
Remember Nabal, (the one David begged for food), had wealth, didn’t apply wisdom, died of heart attack.
Remember the young rich man, who bragged about what he was going to do with his money. He had wealth, no wisdom (he didn’t involve God), died immediately he finished his budget.
A budget without God will bury you faster than you think.
Solomon could not manage the money God gave him. If only he had read the Psalm written by his father. (David).
Read Ps 90:12.
“When you know the time is short, you will use all the resources and wealth God gave you to glorify him and push the Kingdom agenda forward.”
May God make us wise.
May God make us wealthy.
May God help us to apply the wisdom and wealth to bring glory to his name in Jesus’ name.
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