Seeking Wisdom: The Transformative Encounter of Sheba and Solomon

Devotional

Day 1: The Courage to Seek Wisdom

The Queen of Sheba's journey to meet King Solomon is a remarkable testament to the courage required to seek wisdom. Her willingness to travel over 1,500 miles, facing potential dangers and uncertainties, underscores the immense value she placed on divine wisdom. This narrative invites us to reflect on the lengths we are willing to go to seek God's wisdom in our own lives. Are we prepared to step out of our comfort zones, face challenges, and pursue the truth with the same determination? The Queen's journey is a powerful reminder that seeking wisdom is a courageous act of faith, one that can lead to profound transformation and understanding. [01:41]

1 Kings 10:1-3 (ESV): "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. And 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."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need God's wisdom? What steps can you take today to actively seek His guidance and understanding in that area?

Day 2: Grace in Leadership

King Solomon's interaction with the Queen of Sheba highlights the importance of grace in leadership. Despite the potential threat she posed as a foreign ruler, Solomon welcomed her with openness and a willingness to share his wisdom without judgment or defensiveness. This encounter reveals a leadership style that transcends cultural and national boundaries, rooted in a deep relationship with God and a commitment to justice and righteousness. As leaders in our own spheres of influence, we are called to emulate Solomon's example by leading with grace, openness, and a willingness to share wisdom with others. This approach not only blesses those we lead but also reflects a godly character that welcomes outsiders and seeks truth. [05:04]

James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you can lead with grace and openness. How can you intentionally create an environment that welcomes questions and encourages the sharing of wisdom?

Day 3: Welcoming the Outsider

The story of the Queen of Sheba reminds us that God's wisdom is inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their background. As Christians, we are called to extend the same welcome to outsiders, recognizing that we, too, were once outsiders who have been brought into God's family through grace. This narrative challenges us to reflect on our own openness to those who are different from us and to consider how we can create a welcoming environment for others. By embracing diversity and extending grace to all, we embody the inclusive nature of God's wisdom and love. [09:59]

Ephesians 2:19 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."

Reflection: Who in your community or church might feel like an outsider? How can you reach out to them this week and make them feel welcomed and included?

Day 4: The Value of Divine Wisdom

The Queen of Sheba's awe at Solomon's wisdom and the happiness of his people challenges us to recognize the value of divine wisdom in our own lives. It is a reminder not to take for granted the access we have to God's wisdom through scripture and the community of faith. Divine wisdom brings joy, peace, and understanding, transforming not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. As we seek and apply God's wisdom, we experience the fullness of life that He intends for us and become conduits of His grace and truth to others. [16:16]

Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."

Reflection: How can you prioritize seeking God's wisdom in your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not taking this divine gift for granted?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Gospel

The narrative of the Queen of Sheba ultimately points to the greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ, who welcomes all into His kingdom. This wisdom transforms lives, turning outsiders into members of God's family, and calls us to share this transformative message with others. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with the responsibility to share the gospel, inviting others to experience the life-changing power of His love and grace. This call to action challenges us to be intentional in our witness, sharing the hope and wisdom of the gospel with those around us. [19:52]

Colossians 1:28 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the transformative message of the gospel? How can you share the love and wisdom of Christ with them this week in a meaningful way?

Sermon Summary

The story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is a profound narrative of seeking wisdom and finding unexpected grace. The Queen of Sheba, a powerful and wealthy ruler from the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, embarks on a daunting journey of over 1,500 miles to meet King Solomon, whose wisdom and kingdom have become legendary. Her journey is not just a quest for knowledge but a leap of faith, driven by questions that weigh heavily on her heart. Upon her arrival in Jerusalem, she is met with a city that gleams with wealth and a king who embodies a different kind of leadership—one marked by grace, openness, and a willingness to share divine wisdom freely.

King Solomon's interaction with the Queen of Sheba is a testament to the power of godly wisdom. Despite the potential threat she poses as a foreign ruler, Solomon welcomes her with grace, answering her probing questions without defensiveness. This encounter reveals a wisdom that transcends cultural and national boundaries, a wisdom that is rooted in a deep relationship with God and a commitment to justice and righteousness. The Queen of Sheba, in turn, is transformed by this encounter, recognizing the divine source of Solomon's wisdom and the happiness it brings to his people.

This narrative challenges us to reflect on our own openness to outsiders and the wisdom we share. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the same grace and openness that Solomon showed to the Queen of Sheba. We are reminded that we, too, were once outsiders, welcomed into God's family through the grace of Jesus Christ. This wisdom from heaven is not just for us to keep but to share with others, welcoming them into the family of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Ko&t=101s'>[01:41]
2. Grace in Leadership: King Solomon's gracious response to the Queen of Sheba's questions highlights the importance of grace in leadership. His openness and willingness to share wisdom without judgment or defensiveness reflect a godly character that welcomes outsiders and blesses those who seek truth. This serves as a model for how we can lead with grace in our own spheres of influence.

3. Welcoming the Outsider: The story of the Queen of Sheba reminds us that God's wisdom is inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their background. As Christians, we are called to extend the same welcome to outsiders, recognizing that we, too, were once outsiders who have been brought into God's family through grace.

4. The Value of Divine Wisdom: The Queen of Sheba's awe at Solomon's wisdom and the happiness of his people challenges us to recognize the value of divine wisdom in our own lives. It is a reminder not to take for granted the access we have to God's wisdom through scripture and the community of faith.

5. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The narrative ultimately points to the greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ, who welcomes all into his kingdom. This wisdom transforms lives, turning outsiders into members of God's family, and calls us to share this transformative message with others.

** [01:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Introduction to the Queen of Sheba
[01:41] - The Queen's Journey
[02:31] - Arrival in Jerusalem
[03:37] - Meeting King Solomon
[05:04] - Solomon's Gracious Wisdom
[05:57] - The Queen's Transformation
[07:32] - Solomon's Inclusive Leadership
[08:43] - Welcoming Outsiders
[09:59] - Our Position as Outsiders
[11:48] - Being Welcomed into God's Family
[12:44] - The Greater King Jesus
[14:04] - The Queen's Realization
[15:24] - Servants of the King
[16:16] - The Warning of Taking Wisdom for Granted
[17:38] - The Value of the Gospel
[19:08] - The Wisdom from Heaven

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What motivated the Queen of Sheba to undertake her long journey to visit King Solomon, and what did she bring with her? [01:41]
How did King Solomon respond to the Queen of Sheba's questions, and what was her reaction to his wisdom? [05:04]
In what ways did King Solomon demonstrate inclusivity and openness during the Queen of Sheba's visit? [05:57]
How does the sermon describe the Queen of Sheba's transformation after her encounter with Solomon? [07:32]

Interpretation Questions

What does the Queen of Sheba's journey tell us about the value and pursuit of divine wisdom in our lives? [01:41]
How does King Solomon's gracious leadership serve as a model for modern-day leaders, both within and outside the church? [05:04]
In what ways does the story of the Queen of Sheba challenge Christians to rethink their approach to welcoming outsiders? [09:59]
How does the sermon connect the wisdom of Solomon to the greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ? [12:44]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you sought wisdom or guidance. What lengths did you go to, and how did it impact your life? [01:41]
Consider your own leadership roles, whether at work, home, or in the community. How can you incorporate more grace and openness in your interactions? [05:04]
Think about someone in your life who might feel like an outsider. What practical steps can you take to make them feel welcomed and included? [09:59]
How often do you take the wisdom available to you through scripture and community for granted? What changes can you make to better appreciate and utilize this wisdom? [16:16]
Reflect on your own journey of faith. How have you been welcomed into God's family, and how can you extend that same welcome to others? [11:48]
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's wisdom. What steps will you take this week to pursue that wisdom? [17:38]
How can the transformative power of the gospel be more evident in your daily interactions with others? [19:52]

Sermon Clips

"She had her attendants load up camel after camel with spices and gold and gemstones that she had acquired in her trading. And off they went. I can't even calculate. There's no calculators online for how long of a journey this must have been. We know it was around 1500 miles, but how many days, how many months by camel? No one travels like that anymore. You can't just put it in Google Maps. But off she went and eventually she made it to Jerusalem, the capital city of this nation of Israel." [00:02:31]

"Because when she asks these challenging questions to a battle of wits, if you will, the king doesn't respond defensively. He doesn't, again, there challenge her, but he responds graciously. He responds openly, honestly. He doesn't owe her anything. He has this special wisdom, hidden knowledge, and yet he's giving it to her for free." [00:04:19]

"Even though he doesn't know her, and she could be his enemy, he does this for free. He does this graciously. And the queen is so taken aback by this that she begins to open up to him. In the Hebrew text, there's a beautiful verb that talks about her opening up her heart to him in a way of the things that were on her heart and mind, the things that she kept hidden, her innermost thoughts she shared with him." [00:04:46]

"The queen of Sheba had left her country so many miles away to find wisdom, to maybe find a trading partner or someone who could match her intelligence. She found so much more than that. She found wisdom from heaven, a wisdom that welcomes the outsider, and it's wisdom that blesses all who draw near." [00:06:15]

"Americans get wrong all the time. He treats the outsider with grace, with favor. He is open and honest. He does not judge her by who she is or where she comes from or what she looks like. He just welcomes her, though he knows nothing about her." [00:07:36]

"When they share their questions about the tough, difficult things in life, are they met with open, honest, gracious answers that don't judge them for even asking those questions? It's really easy in today's society to have an us versus them mentality, where we here inside these churches' walls, we're God's people, right? And those people out there, oh, don't get me started, they're different. They're outsiders. We're the insiders. And if they come through these doors, then we get to see if they fit in with our little family here." [00:08:57]

"Colossians chapter 1 verse 21 tells us that we alienated. We set ourselves apart from God because of our sin. Because of our sinful behavior, the wicked things we have done, there's no way a perfect God can have people who are so sinful around him. It divides us. It makes us outsiders. And then reason number two, as I said before, God's promises at this time are only for the people of Israel. And last time I checked, I'm not Jewish. And if I had to guess, most of us here in this congregation are not Jewish either. So if we're going by the Old Testament, God's promises of forgiveness and eternal life and all those blessings, they're for that special group and we are outside of that group." [00:10:08]

"the gospel, we are all members of God's family. It doesn't matter who you are. Ephesians chapter 3 verse 6 says, this mystery, the mystery of forgiveness through Jesus, is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel. Gentiles meaning people who aren't Jews, other nations. They are members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." [00:11:16]

"Once the Queen saw all of King Solomon's splendor, once she heard his wisdom and saw all that was going on in his palace, she couldn't help but exclaim these words. In fact, it says it took her breath away. It says there was no breath left in her body after she had seen all these things." [00:13:44]

"achievements and your wisdom is true. I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half of it was told to me. In wisdom and wealth, you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your people must be. How happy your officials who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom." [00:14:01]

"Traveling all those miles just because of the wisdom. If a star and a prophecy they had heard of a king who would change everything for everyone. Or the queen of Sheba, who had heard about wisdom that was connected with something about godliness. And she decided to follow it. She didn't take it for granted either." [00:16:16]

"But if you asked Christians across the world who don't have the protections that we do in this country, protections of religion and freedom of speech, they would give up just about anything to hear the gospel. In fact, they risk life and limb each and every day to hear the gospel. Life, limb, family, income." [00:18:05]

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