Provided with abundance; what are God's intentions for us?
2 Chronicles 9 highlights King Solomon’s glory, that he surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom (2 Chronicles 9:22), and that his fame spread to attract even the attention of the Queen of Sheba (2 Chronicles 9:1).
He was a man of unmatched wisdom and a king with abundant wealth – he had more than six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold that came to him yearly (2 Chronicles 9: 13).
Imagine being so rich, intelligent and so famous that this sought the attention of a queen, who deliberately travelled down to test the validity of what she had heard. Indeed, Solomon satisfied her curiosity and “there was nothing so difficult for Solomon that he could not explain it to her.” (2 Chronicles 9:2).
What stands out is that the Queen of Sheba, after witnessing the wise order of Solomon, praised God, saying:
“Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God! Because your God has loved Israel, to establish them forever, there He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.”
Beyond the superficial attraction of wealth, wisdom and fame, the Queen of Sheba was certainly wise herself. She saw that Solomon’s wisdom reflected God’s intentions towards Israel - that God loved Israel deeply to give them a wise king and desired justice and righteousness for His people.
Do we see beyond the superficial and recognise God’s intentions behind the blessings that He gives us today? Do we see how God intends for us to shine through Him to bless other people too? Or do we take these blessings as our own merits and feel that we deserve them for doing “good”?
Solomon, in himself, knew that these gifts were from God. In his early days as king, Solomon had humbly requested for wisdom and knowledge from God, to judge His people. We see in 1 Chronicles 11-12 that God granted Solomon more than he requested – because his heart (and his intention) was for the good of Israel. This was in accordance with God’s heart.
It is easy for us to focus on the blessings that God gives us – this may be good grades, good relationships, a loving family, a comfortable lifestyle. However, more importantly, is recognising God’s intentions behind the blessings that He bestows and the heart that He has for not just us, but the people around us too. Perhaps we are in the position to help a struggling brethren with his/her finances. Perhaps we can extend our home to another sister/ brother who needs shelter and love. Perhaps we can help a classmate who is finding homework challenging.
Sometimes we pray and yearn for God’s blessings and feel disappointed when we do not receive what we ask for. We may need to ask ourselves: Why do I desire this gift? Have I asked wisely? Is this in accordance with God’s heart? Do I ask amiss? (James 4:3).
The chapter ends on a sobering note – Solomon, despite his wisdom, knowledge, riches, wealth and honor, rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David his father. This is a powerful reminder that despite all the material blessings, death is inevitable (Psalm 89:48).
May we continue to seek God’s heart, and honour God in all that we do, with all the gifts He has given us.
Reflection questions
What gifts have God given me?
How can I fully utilise my God-given gifts?
Do I shine for Christ? Do people see Christ in me?
