How can we apply the Queen of Sheba's diligence in seeking truth today? The Queen’s Diligent Journey 1 Kings 10:7: “But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.” Sheba’s queen crossed deserts, spent wealth, and asked hard questions until she stood face-to-face with truth. Scripture presents her trip as literal history, highlighting qualities worth imitating. Traits Worth Copying • Purposeful curiosity—she “came to test Solomon with hard questions” (v. 1). • Willingness to invest time, energy, and resources (v. 2). • Humility to listen before speaking (v. 3). • Personal verification—she would not rest on second-hand reports (v. 7). • Open praise once convinced, giving glory to God (v. 9). • Generosity in response to truth (v. 10). Scripture Echoes the Call to Seek • Proverbs 2:3-5—“If you seek it like silver…then you will understand the fear of the LORD.” • Jeremiah 29:13—“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” • Acts 17:11—Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • James 1:5—God “gives generously to all” who ask for wisdom. • Matthew 12:42—Jesus cites this queen as a rebuke to casual listeners. Practical Ways to Pursue Truth Today 1. Schedule intentional study time—daily, not sporadic. 2. Read whole books of the Bible, not isolated verses, to “see with your own eyes.” 3. Use reliable translations and sound commentaries; travel (physically or digitally) to strong teaching if needed. 4. Ask hard questions—do the investigative work the queen modeled. 5. Compare every claim with Scripture (Acts 17:11). 6. Cultivate teachability; let the Word correct long-held assumptions. 7. Share discovered truth with gratitude and generosity—support ministries, give resources, encourage others. Guardrails Against Half-Hearted Searching • Don’t rely on headlines or social feeds for theology. • Resist impatience; depth takes time. • Avoid confirmation bias—seek what God says, not what we wish He said. Promises for the Diligent Seeker • Wisdom that surpasses human reports (1 Kings 10:7; James 1:5). • Joy in God’s revealed glory (1 Kings 10:9; Psalm 16:11). • Influence that points others to the King of kings (Matthew 5:16; 12:42). |
    |