To show such humility,
Mercy, and love even while being literally killed by your enemies is the epitome of Jesus and the Christian life. Asking for forgiveness for the ones who are killing you because they don’t know what they’re doing. Wow.
6-9She said to the king, “It’s all true! Your reputation for accomplishment and wisdom that reached all the way to my country is confirmed. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself; they didn’t exaggerate! Such wisdom and elegance—far more than I could ever have imagined. Lucky the men and women who work for you, getting to be around you every day and hear your wise words firsthand! And blessed be God, your God, who took such a liking to you and made you king. Clearly, God’s love for Israel is behind this, making you king to keep a just order and nurture a God-pleasing people.”
Reading 1 Kings 10:1 led me to think about my business and how I am operating it. What is my purpose? Who am I doing it for? Everything I do must be to bring God all the glory. The passage says clearly that Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame which BROUGHT HONOUR TO THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Everything I do must bring honour to the name of the Lord.
It’s sad that later on Solomon turns away from the Lord. Mainly because of the woman that he married. How is it that the wisest man in the world, who got his wisdom from God ended up like this. We must stay close to God. My prayer is that my husband is strong in the Lord and has a heart for God.
I’ve been asking myself if someone came to me to learn about the greatness of God, like the Queen of Sheba, would they leave forever changed like she did? If not, it it because I don’t know him well enough to speak on his greatness?
I ask myself that question quite a bit. I went to church as a child, but my parents did not continue with it. I recently made the personal decision to go back. I fell in love all over again. I’m trying to learn so much, but it a lot to take in. And I wonder would I be worthy enough to spread God’s message and change the lives of others. It’s a scary question to ask yourself.
Darlisha and Jordan– Both of your lives have been changed by the gospel therefore your testimonies are beautiful and WILL be used by God to show others the goodness of Christ and the majesty of His kingdom. Whether you’re a new Christian or someone who has been following Jesus for 50 years, God uses all of us as vessels to tell others about Him and to display His grace and truth. Your testimonies are unique and special and you both are 100% worthy to share with others what God has done in your life and how He loves His people. Don’t let that lie fill your mind that you don’t know enough to share the gospel–that is not true! God has transformed your life through Jesus and THAT is all you need to tell others about Him. Sorry for rambling–I just saw your posts and knew I needed to encourage you both of how loved and important you both are in being vessels to further the kingdom in His name!
Darlisha and Jordan– Both of your lives have been changed by the gospel therefore your testimonies are beautiful and WILL be used by God to show others the goodness of Christ and the majesty of His kingdom. Whether you’re a new Christian or someone who has been following Jesus for 50 years, God uses all of us as vessels to tell others about Him and to display His grace and truth. Your testimonies are unique and special and you both are 100% worthy to share with others what God has done in your life and how He loves His people. Don’t let that lie fill your mind that you don’t know enough to share the gospel–that is not true! God has transformed your life through Jesus and THAT is all you need to tell others about Him. Sorry for rambling–I just saw your posts and knew I needed to encourage you both of how loved and important you both are in being vessels to further the kingdom in His name!
Isn’t it so amazing how much Solomon acquired after he originally asked for his wisdom. Today I truly realized seeking God is what brings “things” to us. I am recently married, and combining households and bills has drained us financially. This hit me so hard. The “stuff” will come when we focus on what is important and give those problems to God. And that “stuff” will fulfill everything we need and more! Satisfaction comes through Heaven.
1 Kings 10:8 “Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” This verse really stuck out to me today. I always find that when God is at the center of my life I feel this undeniable joy that I cannot get from anyone else but Him! I pray that people see God’s light through me just as the Queen of Sheba saw it through Solomon and his men.
I see so much love in what Joseph of Arimathea did for Jesus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin but didn’t agree with their decision to beat and murder an innocent man. Yet, he asks for the body, takes him off the cross (this couldn’t have been easy and was probably bloody given circumstances), and prepares him to be placed in his own tomb, perhaps uncertain in his own thoughts of who this man really was (yet having the respect and love to care for him with dignity). Just made me ponder.
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ”. – what kind of faith does it take to say this to a man DYING on a CROSS! The thief believed that God’s kingdom was coming even then!! Faith is being certain of what is not yet seen. Even when it looks absolutely impossible. Lord keep helping me develop this kind of faith in you!!
“34. And Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. And they cast lots for his garments.” — even in his hour of need, our savior prayed forgiveness FOR US, for the very ones who crucified him and for those of us who weren’t there in physical sense but whose sins hung him there in our place. I am in awe of Jesus — Who takes the sin of the world on his shoulders and then prays forgiveness for his persecutors?! There is no one like you Jesus!
1 Kings 10:6-7 “She said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it”. We hear the truth … but so often require additional proof before believing. “It’s not enough to hear someone else say it’s true. Unless I see it myself, I will not believe”. Though I often say, “I cannot believe”. Is it a matter of “cannot” or “will not”?
the passage about Solomon really speaks to me about the favor of God. when Solomon was pursuing God, worshipping Him, bringing glory to Him, God blessed Solomon so abundantly, but when Solomon started to stray, he departed from the umbrella of Gods favor and blessing. the same happens for us. there is nothing we can ever do to escape God’s love for us, but God will not bless what doesn’t glorify Him. It’s not necessarily that God sends bad things out way, but when we are sinning and turning away from God, we are willingly removing ourselves from the shelter of His favor and will. is this true for every bad thing that happens to us? no, I don’t think so, because bad things still happen to those following Christ. but God is a faithful and just God. he won’t bless a sinful lifestyle nearly as much as he will bless a life seeking Him.
I read all that Solomon acquired and the magnificent things he built to the glory of himself and his family instead of sharing the wealth with each and every member of God’s people and I think he was loosing his wisdom for along time before he became so obsessed with “things” (greed) and lust ( wives and concubines) and idolizations of pagan women and pagan gods. If he had stayed true to the path God meant for his wisdom to take the people he would not have fallen into greed, lust and idol worship. All the beauty of Solomon is overshadowed by the loss of his soul.
It’s like Jesus says in the New Testament, what does a main stand to profit if he gains the world but loses his soul (paraphrase)? May we keep our eyes on God, turning not to the left or the right when successes and riches knock on our door. May we stay focused on Him and keep our souls!
Can anyone shed light on the number of tribes Ahijah is talking about? He refers to giving Jeroboam 10, and Solomon having one. Where is the other tribe to add up,to 12?
I noticed that too. I think that it totals 11 because the Levites didn’t technically hAve and inheritance since they were tasked with temple work. Therefore, they shouldn’t be counted.
For some reason I’m really captivated with the wisdom God gave Solomon! It’s such a brave thing to pray for and expect from God- with wisdom comes responsibility. I love how faithful God was with his promise to answer Solomon’s prayer for wisdom though-
“The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God has put in his heart.” 1 Kings 10:24
1 kings 10:1
The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions to seek answers about God for herself. We should actively seek God daily for ourselves.
Luke 23:51-“Who was waiting for the kingdom of God” That’s how we all should be. Waiting for the kingdom of God and behaving as if it will happen tomorrow.
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It’s so simple to enter the Lords kingdom. A simple confession of sin and belief in Jesus as Lord. The beauty of a saviour. Let’s not try to complicate things
How nice it is to be sure that we have a spot in paradise for us. I think we do try to make things more complicated and stress out about things when we need to take a break to think about our paradise.
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do…” So powerful! The Passion of Jesus is such a huge reminder that we are “allowed” to be imperfect for the sacrifice he made for us.
The centurion had probably been there all day, had seen how Jesus conducted himself, and heard Jesus’s “loud cry”. Since it was normal for victims to linger for many hours, into the night, I’m guessing it was fairly obvious that Jesus had decided on his own when he would die. No mere mortal can do that, and all things taken together, he may have finally realized that Jesus was who he said he was, and therefore was innocent of the charges brought by the Jewish leaders.
I think this was because when Jesus finally breathed his last there was a huge earthquake and the curtain of the temple tore from top to bottom. These details are in the other gospel accounts of the crucifixion. People surrounding would have been terribly frightened and were literally shaken into belief as they realized this was no simple man they had killed. Check out Matthew 27:50-54.
I loved reading through this passage today. The love of Jesus here for us, wow.
You know what I realized today? Jesus was so in control of that situation. Especially when he was turned over to Herod at the start.
Herod was excited to meet this guy who heals people and does miracles, and probably just kept asking Jesus to do tricks for him. If you think about it, Jesus could have healed some guy, spoke boldly, and gone his own way right there.
Instead, He stays silent and allows for himself to be mocked and beaten, rather than cave in to the commands of this greedy ruler.
Just like the song I remember,
“He could have called
Ten thousand angels
To destroy the world
And set him free.
He could have called
Ten thousand angels,
But he died alone
For you and me.”
✝️
❤️
✝️❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
✝️
✅
To show such humility,
Mercy, and love even while being literally killed by your enemies is the epitome of Jesus and the Christian life. Asking for forgiveness for the ones who are killing you because they don’t know what they’re doing. Wow.
34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” -ellie
6-9She said to the king, “It’s all true! Your reputation for accomplishment and wisdom that reached all the way to my country is confirmed. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself; they didn’t exaggerate! Such wisdom and elegance—far more than I could ever have imagined. Lucky the men and women who work for you, getting to be around you every day and hear your wise words firsthand! And blessed be God, your God, who took such a liking to you and made you king. Clearly, God’s love for Israel is behind this, making you king to keep a just order and nurture a God-pleasing people.”
Like the criminal crucified with Jesus may we also fear God and look to the kingdom of our Lord that is coming.
Reading 1 Kings 10:1 led me to think about my business and how I am operating it. What is my purpose? Who am I doing it for? Everything I do must be to bring God all the glory. The passage says clearly that Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame which BROUGHT HONOUR TO THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Everything I do must bring honour to the name of the Lord.
It’s sad that later on Solomon turns away from the Lord. Mainly because of the woman that he married. How is it that the wisest man in the world, who got his wisdom from God ended up like this. We must stay close to God. My prayer is that my husband is strong in the Lord and has a heart for God.
Phillippa, I look forward to hearing your thoughts each day!
Phillippa, I look forward to hearing from you each day!
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I’ve been asking myself if someone came to me to learn about the greatness of God, like the Queen of Sheba, would they leave forever changed like she did? If not, it it because I don’t know him well enough to speak on his greatness?
I ask myself that question quite a bit. I went to church as a child, but my parents did not continue with it. I recently made the personal decision to go back. I fell in love all over again. I’m trying to learn so much, but it a lot to take in. And I wonder would I be worthy enough to spread God’s message and change the lives of others. It’s a scary question to ask yourself.
Darlisha and Jordan– Both of your lives have been changed by the gospel therefore your testimonies are beautiful and WILL be used by God to show others the goodness of Christ and the majesty of His kingdom. Whether you’re a new Christian or someone who has been following Jesus for 50 years, God uses all of us as vessels to tell others about Him and to display His grace and truth. Your testimonies are unique and special and you both are 100% worthy to share with others what God has done in your life and how He loves His people. Don’t let that lie fill your mind that you don’t know enough to share the gospel–that is not true! God has transformed your life through Jesus and THAT is all you need to tell others about Him. Sorry for rambling–I just saw your posts and knew I needed to encourage you both of how loved and important you both are in being vessels to further the kingdom in His name!
Darlisha and Jordan– Both of your lives have been changed by the gospel therefore your testimonies are beautiful and WILL be used by God to show others the goodness of Christ and the majesty of His kingdom. Whether you’re a new Christian or someone who has been following Jesus for 50 years, God uses all of us as vessels to tell others about Him and to display His grace and truth. Your testimonies are unique and special and you both are 100% worthy to share with others what God has done in your life and how He loves His people. Don’t let that lie fill your mind that you don’t know enough to share the gospel–that is not true! God has transformed your life through Jesus and THAT is all you need to tell others about Him. Sorry for rambling–I just saw your posts and knew I needed to encourage you both of how loved and important you both are in being vessels to further the kingdom in His name!
❤
Isn’t it so amazing how much Solomon acquired after he originally asked for his wisdom. Today I truly realized seeking God is what brings “things” to us. I am recently married, and combining households and bills has drained us financially. This hit me so hard. The “stuff” will come when we focus on what is important and give those problems to God. And that “stuff” will fulfill everything we need and more! Satisfaction comes through Heaven.
I love this reflection , Courtney.
1 Kings 10:8 “Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” This verse really stuck out to me today. I always find that when God is at the center of my life I feel this undeniable joy that I cannot get from anyone else but Him! I pray that people see God’s light through me just as the Queen of Sheba saw it through Solomon and his men.
That is beautiful
I see so much love in what Joseph of Arimathea did for Jesus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin but didn’t agree with their decision to beat and murder an innocent man. Yet, he asks for the body, takes him off the cross (this couldn’t have been easy and was probably bloody given circumstances), and prepares him to be placed in his own tomb, perhaps uncertain in his own thoughts of who this man really was (yet having the respect and love to care for him with dignity). Just made me ponder.
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ”. – what kind of faith does it take to say this to a man DYING on a CROSS! The thief believed that God’s kingdom was coming even then!! Faith is being certain of what is not yet seen. Even when it looks absolutely impossible. Lord keep helping me develop this kind of faith in you!!
Ha – so true! I never thought of that.
How amazing of a way to put it!!
“34. And Jesus said, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. And they cast lots for his garments.” — even in his hour of need, our savior prayed forgiveness FOR US, for the very ones who crucified him and for those of us who weren’t there in physical sense but whose sins hung him there in our place. I am in awe of Jesus — Who takes the sin of the world on his shoulders and then prays forgiveness for his persecutors?! There is no one like you Jesus!
its crazy how amazing he is.
1 Kings 10:6-7 “She said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it”. We hear the truth … but so often require additional proof before believing. “It’s not enough to hear someone else say it’s true. Unless I see it myself, I will not believe”. Though I often say, “I cannot believe”. Is it a matter of “cannot” or “will not”?
the passage about Solomon really speaks to me about the favor of God. when Solomon was pursuing God, worshipping Him, bringing glory to Him, God blessed Solomon so abundantly, but when Solomon started to stray, he departed from the umbrella of Gods favor and blessing. the same happens for us. there is nothing we can ever do to escape God’s love for us, but God will not bless what doesn’t glorify Him. It’s not necessarily that God sends bad things out way, but when we are sinning and turning away from God, we are willingly removing ourselves from the shelter of His favor and will. is this true for every bad thing that happens to us? no, I don’t think so, because bad things still happen to those following Christ. but God is a faithful and just God. he won’t bless a sinful lifestyle nearly as much as he will bless a life seeking Him.
I read all that Solomon acquired and the magnificent things he built to the glory of himself and his family instead of sharing the wealth with each and every member of God’s people and I think he was loosing his wisdom for along time before he became so obsessed with “things” (greed) and lust ( wives and concubines) and idolizations of pagan women and pagan gods. If he had stayed true to the path God meant for his wisdom to take the people he would not have fallen into greed, lust and idol worship. All the beauty of Solomon is overshadowed by the loss of his soul.
It’s like Jesus says in the New Testament, what does a main stand to profit if he gains the world but loses his soul (paraphrase)? May we keep our eyes on God, turning not to the left or the right when successes and riches knock on our door. May we stay focused on Him and keep our souls!
Great reference verse! Salomon is a perfect example of this! Every time I read about the ending of his life, I feel physically ill!
Can anyone shed light on the number of tribes Ahijah is talking about? He refers to giving Jeroboam 10, and Solomon having one. Where is the other tribe to add up,to 12?
I noticed that too. I think that it totals 11 because the Levites didn’t technically hAve and inheritance since they were tasked with temple work. Therefore, they shouldn’t be counted.
For some reason I’m really captivated with the wisdom God gave Solomon! It’s such a brave thing to pray for and expect from God- with wisdom comes responsibility. I love how faithful God was with his promise to answer Solomon’s prayer for wisdom though-
“The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God has put in his heart.” 1 Kings 10:24
Praying boldly these days for increased wisdom!
I love this too. Also praying for wisdom…for you and myself!
Luke 23:31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Such strong foreshadowing in this statement. Makes me more determined to remind myself and the world that the tree is still alive and green!
1 kings 10:1
The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions to seek answers about God for herself. We should actively seek God daily for ourselves.
Luke 23:51-“Who was waiting for the kingdom of God” That’s how we all should be. Waiting for the kingdom of God and behaving as if it will happen tomorrow.
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It’s so simple to enter the Lords kingdom. A simple confession of sin and belief in Jesus as Lord. The beauty of a saviour. Let’s not try to complicate things
Love this Shirl. The simple line is beautiful to me and gives me chills.
How nice it is to be sure that we have a spot in paradise for us. I think we do try to make things more complicated and stress out about things when we need to take a break to think about our paradise.
This gives me chills every time I read it. This guilty man said a small statement, and he is now in PARADISE!
This verse always gives me chills! This THIEF said a most simple statement, and he is forever in PARADISE! I love that use of the word here!
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do…” So powerful! The Passion of Jesus is such a huge reminder that we are “allowed” to be imperfect for the sacrifice he made for us.
I’m wondering why the centurion said, “certainly this man is innocent.” What about the crucifixion events made him say this?
Maybe he means he knows he’s innocent or Is The Lord but that it’s destined for the Passion to happen?
The centurion had probably been there all day, had seen how Jesus conducted himself, and heard Jesus’s “loud cry”. Since it was normal for victims to linger for many hours, into the night, I’m guessing it was fairly obvious that Jesus had decided on his own when he would die. No mere mortal can do that, and all things taken together, he may have finally realized that Jesus was who he said he was, and therefore was innocent of the charges brought by the Jewish leaders.
I think this was because when Jesus finally breathed his last there was a huge earthquake and the curtain of the temple tore from top to bottom. These details are in the other gospel accounts of the crucifixion. People surrounding would have been terribly frightened and were literally shaken into belief as they realized this was no simple man they had killed. Check out Matthew 27:50-54.
I loved reading through this passage today. The love of Jesus here for us, wow.
You know what I realized today? Jesus was so in control of that situation. Especially when he was turned over to Herod at the start.
Herod was excited to meet this guy who heals people and does miracles, and probably just kept asking Jesus to do tricks for him. If you think about it, Jesus could have healed some guy, spoke boldly, and gone his own way right there.
Instead, He stays silent and allows for himself to be mocked and beaten, rather than cave in to the commands of this greedy ruler.
Just like the song I remember,
“He could have called
Ten thousand angels
To destroy the world
And set him free.
He could have called
Ten thousand angels,
But he died alone
For you and me.”
Thank you Jesus