It Took Her Breath Away

O. T. #776  "It Took Her Breath Away
June 17, 2016
1 Kings 10
...it took her breath away.  1 Kings 10:5 LASB

LET IT GLOW

There have there been times in my life that I just stood still in awe of a gorgeous sight in front of me. It took my breath away. Which times? The sight of my two babies after their birth, the Smokey Mountains, the vast ocean seen for the first time, a twenty-five dollar check for groceries at college, needed jobs throughout my years of life, good test results on my health, a sunrise or sunset that are astounding, the sight and smell of a red rose, holding my grandchildren. The list can go on and on. There have been so many things that have taken my breath away as I realized my Awesome God had His hand on my life. How about you? What are the times in which your breath was taken away?
Today, we read of another woman who had her breath taken away. Join me as we find out what caused it.

She came as a competitor, but left as an admirer. Like many kings and foreign dignitaries, she was curious about Solomon's wisdom and wealth. So the queen of Sheba made a trip personally to see for herself. (Sabea was located in the southwestern corner of Arabia.) She traveled with a camel caravan, loaded with the luxury goods from her kingdom.

What do we know about her?

• She came to test the king with difficult questions.  (Solomon's fame connected with the name of Yahweh.) Contests with riddles or proverbs were often used to test wisdom. 
• She came to Jerusalem with a large entourage, with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones.
• She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind. He answered all her questions, for nothing was too difficult for the king to explain to her.

Do you have difficult questions for which you want answers? Have you asked God they whys? If He gives no answers, do you continue to trust in Him anyway? Are your mountains in your life getting steeper to climb? Do the waters of troubles seem so deep that you can't keep you head above them and you feel that you are sinking? Trust God, dear one. He has a plan.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:4)

The Lord asked Abraham that question when he said Sarah laughed when she heard that she would have a child in her old age of 90. It was obvious to that couple that nothing was too hard for God to do. It was by faith given to Sarah that she was able to receive her ability to conceive a son. (Hebrews 11)
What difficult this are you waiting on God to perform in your life? Eh, that's not so hard for Him! Waiting for it can be the hard part; not loosing faith; looking for it tomorrow.


LET IT GROW

What were the reactions of the Queen of Sheba when she visited King Solomon of Israel?

• When the queen of Sheba observed all Solomon's wisdom, the palace he built, the food at his table, his servants' residence, his attendants' service and their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the LORD's Temple, it took her breath away.
• She told Solomon that the reports about his wisdom and wealth she received in her country were true, although she did not believe them. She had to come see with her own eyes.
• She saw that Solomon's men and servants were happy.
• Queen Sheba praised Yahweh, God of Solomon. She said that He had put Solomon on the throne of Israel because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel. He made Solomon king to carry out justice and righteousness.
• This woman gave Solomon 4 1/2 tons of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such a quantity of spices arrive as those the queen of Sheba gave to Solomon.

I can see the similarities of King Solomon and King Jesus:

• Jesus sits on the throne of His people, reigning as the highest king in authority, King of Kings and Lord of lords.
• He is ruling with wisdom, justice, and righteousness.
• Jesus provides His children with wealth of wisdom and their needs.
• We, as His happy servants, are dressed in the salvation and righteousness of Jesus with grace and mercy surrounding us, serve our King Jesus daily. 
• We give the Lord our precious things-our life and time for His service and honor, and we trust Him with our family, give our money so others will come to know Him.
• We are trusting that He is preparing us a mansion in heaven to live in for all of eternity.

Does it get any better, folks? Does it take our breath away when we stop and consider all our God has given and done for us?

LET IT GO

Thank You Great God for all the blessings that You have given to me all these years.

Use me as Your servant to share those blessings with others.