7 February 2024
‘Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel for ever, he has made you king to execute justice and righteousness.’
From 1 Kings 10:1-10, NRSV
At the time of the event recorded in today’s reading, Solomon’s kingdom was enjoying a period of great wealth and prosperity. Such was the king’s renown both for his wealth and his wisdom, that a queen from some distance away wanted to visit to see if what she had been hearing was indeed true. The Queen of Sheba came bearing expensive gifts to “test” King Solomon. The queen was very impressed, and what she saw and experienced surpassed all she had been led to believe. King Solomon was able to answer any question she posed and the opulence of his house was very clear to her. Whatever her own faith, the Queen of Sheba recognised that Solomon’s success was due to the “Lord who loved Israel”.
- What do you suppose prompted the visit of the Queen of Sheba?
- What enables us to achieve success in our lives?
Give thanks for all that makes your life fulfilling and happy. Pray for those who feel that their lives have no worth.
