Lessons from the Queen of Sheba

"The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon and his connection with the Name of God. She came to put his reputation to the test by asking tough questions. She made a grand and showy entrance into Jerusalem – camels loaded with spices, a huge amount of gold, and precious gems. She came to Solomon and talked about all the things that she cared about, emptying her heart to him. Solomon answered everything she put to him – nothing stumped him. When the queen of Sheba experienced for herself Solomon's wisdom and saw with her own eyes the palace he had built, the meals that were served, the impressive array of court officials and sharply dressed waiters, the lavish crystal, and the elaborate worship extravagant with Whole-Burnt-Offerings at the steps leading up to The Temple of God, it took her breath away. She said to the king, "It's all true! Your reputation for accomplishment and wisdom that reached all the way to my country is confirmed. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself; they didn't exaggerate! Such wisdom and elegance – far more than I could ever have imagined. Lucky the men and women who work for you, getting to be around you every day and hear your wise words firsthand! And blessed be God, your God, who took such a liking to you and made you king..." 1 Kings 10:1-9, The Message

One of the Codes at our church is: “The Queen of Sheba Inspires Us.” Why does she inspire us? She motivates us to do things with excellence because we see the profound effect and impact the spirit of excellence can have on people. The excellence of King Solomon’s kingdom took the Queen of Sheba's breath away!

The Queen of Sheba’s response to King Solomon and his kingdom, gives us a modern-day target to hit. She reminds us that the spirit of excellence makes a big difference. She proves that it’s worth it when we pay attention to details. When we check and recheck the things we are responsible for. She helps us to avoid making excuses or having to apologize for our negligence.

She inspires us to pay attention to specific things like – being a person, a government, a church or a business where wisdom abounds. She motivates us to take care of our facilities and create an environment where we can preach the Message to all who visit. She helps us give attention to small things like the food we serve and the way it’s presented; the clothing we wear and the style we carry; not to mention the quality of and care we give to the supplies, utensils, and equipment we use.

Most notably, she helps us to focus on the most important thing: the elaborate and extravagant worship we give to the Lord. She reminds us that when we carry a spirit of excellence in all that we do, including our worship of God – it leaves people breathless.

How are you doing in the excellence area? In your personal life? Your leadership? Your business? Your ministry? Are the areas of oversight you are responsible for known for excellence? Does your work take people’s breath away? Do people marvel at the way you think things through – not leaving any stone unturned? Are people “wowed” by the quality of your work and the attention you give to details?

Does the Queen of Sheba inspire you? Today – why not take an inventory of the areas of your life that could use some attention. Check and recheck. Give God your very best and allow the spirit of excellence to reign in and through your life. When you do – your life, work, and ministry will leave people breathless!

Say It: “Father, I thank You for the inspiration I receive from the Queen of Sheba. I want the spirit of excellence to be upon all that I do and all that I am responsible for. Help me to pay attention to every detail and to give my very best so that people are ‘breathless’ by excellence that glorifies You! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”