Highlights In Today's Reading:
We see the confirmation of God on the people's obedience as fire comes from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people bow in reverence! The seven day feast follows with innumerable sacrifices. Then God appears again. Note the qualification for answered prayer (7:14) and the consequences of sin if Israel ignores the Lord's Commandments (7:19-22). Solomon's fame and splendor gain the attention of the queen of Sheba (I Kings 11:1-40).
The fame and wisdom of Solomon attracted the attention of the world. From far away the Queen of Sheba came to prove (test) Solomon with hard questions (II Chronicles 9:1). There was something beyond herself that her wealth, position, and wise men could not satisfy. The Scriptures reveal nothing that Solomon told her about rejecting idol worship and worshiping the One True God. Her restless spirit had led her on a long and difficult journey. She was astonished at Solomon's profound discernment and declared: Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on His throne, to be a king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made He thee king over them, to do judgment and justice (9:8).
Christ commended the Queen for her desire for truth that led her in a journey from the uttermost parts of the earth (Matthew 12:42). Her reception by Solomon illustrates the welcome and satisfaction a person receives when he comes to the King of Kings who gives according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love. . . . that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:16-21). Those who come to Christ are never disappointed. There are wonders of His grace and depths of experience beyond all comprehension to be discovered in the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge (3:19).
To the honest doubter, our appeal is that of Philip to Nathanael: We have found Him, of whom Moses in the Law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth. . . . Come and see (John 1:45-47). To all who come with a searching heart and read all the Bible all doubt will be removed. They too will say: Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:42).
Thought for Today:
Although often well disguised by false religion, there is a true hunger in all mankind to know the One True God.
Christ Revealed:
Through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (II Chronicles 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot begin to compare to Christ's coming kingdom. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it (Revelation 22:1-5).
Word Studies:
7:11 prosperously effected =uccessfully accomplished; 8:5 nether =b> lower; 8:16 perfected =b> completed; 9:1 prove =b> test; 9:14 chapmen =b> merchant traders; 9:15 targets =b> large shields; 9:18 stays =b> armrests; 9:24 harness =b> armor; 9:26 the river =b> the Euphrates River.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Jack Watt • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Country: Poland (38.6 million) in eastern Europe • Major language: Polish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (including Greek Catholic — .31%); 1.56% Orthodox; .5% Protestant; .01% Muslim; .01% Far Eastern Religions; 1.7% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Philippians 1:20-21).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 10
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:19