S173P1 – Opportunities taken: believing the testimony
1 Kgs. 10:1-2
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 that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.
She had become a living legend in that small world, but many had only heard of her. Privileged were the few who were able to interact with her regularly and experience that great gift of hers. Several performers known for their own gifts had heard so many unbelievable stories about her that they decided to see for themselves. They set out on the long journey expecting to find less than what they had been told. They expected to return home to set the record straight and put the legend to bed. Instead, they found that the heavenly voice of which they had heard really did exist. Not only had they seen her and heard her, but they now had become her biggest fans.
The Queen from the South had heard the tales of Solomon’s blessings from the Lord. From his wisdom to his riches to his power, the word had gotten around. She was so impressed with what she had heard that she decided to see for herself. After speaking with him and seeing his palace and how his kingdom was run, she was left to conclude one thing: the God who Solomon worshipped and who had put him in that position was real and worthy of praise. This pagan ruler had seen and heard Solomon’s testimony, and it made her believe in his God. She took it upon herself to chase this opportunity to come to know this great man and then came to know the God he served.
God has a multitude of ways by which He reveals himself to us. One of the most compelling ways is by revealing his power in the lives of others. Just as He used the salvation of the Gentiles to move his people Israel to jealousy, He also provokes us with this tactic today. Perhaps we believe in the Lord but do not have faith in all the miracles He can perform. In that case, He might bring us someone who clearly operates in the Spirit in the hopes that we would seek the same gifts. The point of these testimonies is that they should prompt us to seek more of him. Father, give us faith to see You in the testimonies of your children and to seek our own testimonies to show others who You are.