PRE-410-410. A Greater Than Solomon is Here

410. A Greater Than Solomon is Here

A Greater Than Solomon Is Here

by David Wilkerson

July 12, 2004

[May 19, 1931 '96 April 27, 2011]

According to Jesus, a certain witness will appear on Judgment Day offering a damning testimony against this present generation. The Queen of Sheba is going to take the witness stand, and her words will be condemning: '93The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here'94 (Mat_12:42).

This queen will address our generation, we who live in the very last of the last days. And her condemnation will be this: she'92ll describe every effort, agony and hardship she endured to obtain wisdom from Solomon. You see, in her lifetime, this woman was desperate for truth that would set her free. And at the Judgment she'92s going to testify, '93I traveled from the uttermost parts of the earth to lay hold of Solomon'92s wisdom. You, on the other hand, are satiated with gospel truth. You have One much greater than Solomon living in your midst. Yet you'92ve shut your eyes and ears to him.'94

Who exactly was this Queen of Sheba? And why was she so important that she'92ll make an appearance at the Judgment? Scholars say she was an Arabian ruler, reigning over the region known today as Yemen. It was a culture that over the centuries indulged in riddles. The Arab mindset constantly posed questions without giving answers.

This prominent woman could have been troubled in soul that all the big questions of life '97 about God, the future, death '97 had no answers. She wanted wisdom to help her know how to live, govern and help others. Yet no amount of wealth, fame or counsel could answer her soul'92s cries. Her soul'92s deepest longings had gone unmet.

Then she heard about King Solomon. He had a reputation throughout the known world as having incredible wisdom. Scripture says the queen '93heard of (his) fame'94 (1Ki_10:1), perhaps through merchants or sailors who had traveled to Jerusalem. According to their reports, Israel'92s king understood human nature like no one else. He was able to answer every question and solve any problem, no matter how complex.

The queen must have wondered, '93Who is this man who speaks such wisdom and answers the hard questions of life?'94 Her own gods didn'92t speak, hear or converse. So she determined, '93I must get to Solomon at any cost. I have to settle these burning questions. If he can solve the riddles of life, then he'92s the one to answer my yearnings.'94

She called for a caravan to carry her to Jerusalem, a distance of some 1,500 miles. The journey would take about 75 days '97 150 days round-trip '97 almost half a year. And it would lead them through a hot, broiling desert. They would face marauding thieves and a barren terrain with no creature comforts. They would endure bitterly cold nights. Yet nothing could stop the queen from gaining an audience with Solomon.

She had to be accompanied by soldiers, government officials, servants, cooks and interpreters. Camels had to be laden down with food, water, and gifts of jewels and spices. Altogether, the caravan comprised '93a very great train'94 (1Ki_10:2). Imagine the sight of this great entourage arriving in Jerusalem, after months of dusty whirlwinds, withering heat, incredible hardships. Now, as they approached the capital, Solomon'92s attendants rushed to meet the queen, saying, '93What a journey you'92ve had. Please, refresh yourself. Our king has made his great baths available to you.'94

Later, the queen was ushered into Solomon'92s court. And she wasted no time in asking him every question that had ever confounded her. '93She came to prove him with hard questions'85and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart'94 (1Ki_10:1-2). The queen laid everything out to him.

And she was not disappointed. Scripture says, '93Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not'94 (10:3). Solomon generously answered her with awesome, illuminating truths. He didn'92t leave a single topic unanswered. I picture the queen'92s face lighting up at each answer, realizing, '93So that'92s how it is.'94 Imagine the peace that flooded her soul as her lifelong questions were put to rest, one by one.

Afterward, she was given a tour of Solomon'92s kingdom. She saw firsthand the order, beauty and prosperity that Solomon'92s wisdom had brought to the nation. She beheld '93the house that he had built, and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord'94 (10:4-5). It was so overwhelming, '93There was no more spirit in her'94 (10:5). Simply put, she was left breathless.

When she'92d soaked it all in, she told Solomon, '93It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes have seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God'85to set thee on the throne of Israel'85to do judgment and justice'94 (10:6-9).

After her tour, the queen offered Solomon all the gifts she'92d brought in the caravan. In return, he opened his entire storehouse to her, and she marveled at his vast riches. '93Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty'94 (10:13).

When Jesus referred to this queen, he was addressing scribes and Pharisees.

The religious leaders of Christ'92s day were familiar with the queen'92s story. They had taught it in their synagogues, and they knew all about her desperation to meet Solomon. Now Christ used her story to warn them, '93This same queen of the south is going to condemn you before the Father. She came from the farthest parts of the world to hear Solomon'92s wisdom. And behold, One greater than Solomon stands before you now.'94

Indeed, that queen is going to ask the Pharisees, '93How could you have been so blind? You brought all your hard questions to the King, even trick questions to try to trip him up. Yet he is the all-knowing God in flesh, the very One who gave Solomon his wisdom. He stood in your midst and invited your questions, urging you to open your hearts to him. He even died for you. But you closed your eyes to him and turned a deaf ear to his truth. You preferred living in darkness, because your deeds were evil.'94

I wonder: will this queen accuse our generation of the same sin? Will she say, '93I saw and heard the wisdom of a man who lived in my time, and his words changed my life. I had but one session with him, and he answered everything in my heart. He knew all the issues and concerns in my life, and his truth relieved me of all my confusion.

'93But the time came when I had to leave that man'92s presence. Not so for you. You had One who lived in your midst, and you had access to his wisdom at all times. Moreover, King Jesus is infinitely greater than Solomon. And he has a Word to speak to you about everything in your life. He wants that Word to bring you relief, to supply you with peace and joy.

'93So he continually invites you to his banquet table. You don'92t have to travel 1,500 miles to get there. He came to you, and he doesn'92t ask you for gifts or jewels. All he wants is for you to bring to him your burdens. He wants to hear your concerns, to take on your cares, to answer your worries. The only incense he desires from you is prayer and praise.

'93When I was in Solomon'92s palace, I saw how happy his servants were. They came to the king'92s table daily and gladly soaked up his wisdom. They listened intently to his every word, with great respect. And when they went to the temple to worship, they had a holy fear. It was such a glorious sight, it took my breath away. I had heard great things about Solomon, but nothing prepared me for what I experienced in his presence.

'93With your generation, it'92s a different story. You'92re so flippant about your King. You have access to all his marvelous wisdom, all his righteousness and holiness, but you ignore him day after day. How can you be satisfied to lead such downcast, fearful lives? You have in your midst the Source of your answers. He is far greater than Solomon!'94

Let me ask you: when was the last time you had an awe-inspiring experience with Jesus? When were you so enthralled by his peace-giving wisdom that it took your breath away? When did you last say, '93Nothing I'92ve been taught about Christ prepared me for this experience with him. He has solved my doubts and brought me utter joy'94?

Jesus is telling us in this passage, '93If you profess to be a follower of mine, you have to ask yourself a certain question.'94

We all have to answer one crucial question today: '93If One greater than Solomon is in my midst, would he possibly leave me in confusion? If his wisdom is always available, do I seek for it as passionately as the queen sought Solomon'92s wisdom?'94

I believe the queen is asking us, '93If Solomon was willing to listen to all my questions, would your King be any less willing to hear yours? If Solomon was so patient to answer my concerns, wouldn'92t your omniscient Lord all the more take on your burdens? How could Jesus be any less willing to speak to you, to give you his wisdom and guidance?'94

The truth is, God still speaks to his people today. And he speaks as clearly as he did in the Old Testament, or to the apostles, or to the early church. Yet we must realize one thing: God chooses to speak only to those who have ears to hear. Let me illustrate.

Mar_4:1-41 tells us Christ '93taught (the crowds) many things by parables'94 (4:2). In this passage, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, about a man who sows seed in a field. Yet when he finished the story, the crowds were baffled. They wondered, '93Who is this sower he'92s describing? And what does the seed represent? All this talk about birds, devils, thorny ground, good soil '97 what'92s it about?'94

Jesus didn'92t explain it to them. Instead, Scripture says, '93He said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear'94 (4:9). Only the disciples and a remnant few others wanted answers. So they came to Jesus afterward, asking the meaning of the parable: '93When he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable'94 (4:10). Then Christ took time to answer all their concerns (see 4:14-20).

Do you see what'92s happening in this scene? Jesus had given the crowd revelation truth, a word spoken directly from God'92s mouth, yet it puzzled them. You may wonder, '93Why didn'92t Jesus explain the parable more clearly?'94 We find a clue later in the same chapter: '93Without a parable spake he not unto them'94 (4:34). I believe Jesus was saying, '93If you want to understand my Word, you'92re going to have to pursue me for the answer. And you must come as the Queen of Sheba did: with a hunger for truth that will set you free. I'92ll give you all the revelation you need. But you have to come to me with a pursuing, attentive ear.'94

Imagine what happened with the majority of that crowd after they went home. Neighbors crowded around them, anxious to know what Jesus had said: '93What message did he bring? Tell us all you learned.'94 Those who'92d heard him might have been able to repeat his parables. But their words would have been dead, lifeless, with no impact or life-changing power.

I believe the same thing happens in Christ'92s church today. The word that goes forth from many pulpits is dead-letter, with no Holy Spirit revelation or power to deliver from sin. Then, when the people go home, many of them merely repeat the word they'92ve heard without the life of the Spirit. What a contrast to the hungry disciples and the others who remained followers of Christ in this scene. These people represent everyone who hungers for God'92s Word, and who'92ll pursue Jesus at any cost to get it. They comprise a '93Queen of Sheba Company,'94 servants who want Christ'92s life-changing revelation.

How does Jesus respond to their pursuit? He says, '93Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables'94 (Mar_4:11). The Greek word for mystery here means secrets. In short, Christ reveals his secrets only to those who hunger for life-changing truth. He'92s saying, '93If you want answers to your hard questions, pursue me. Spend time with me. I'92ll reveal my Word to you, and show you truth that others don'92t see.'94

So, who are those '93that are without'94 (4:11)? Jesus is referring to the multitudes who aren'92t willing to wait on him. They won'92t give up their comforts to do what'92s necessary to train their ear to his voice. They may come to church regularly and seek the Lord to meet all their human needs. But they'92re not interested in knowing his voice beyond his ability to provide for them. His freeing truth remains a bafflement to them, a series of unopened riddles.

Satan'92s present warfare against God'92s people takes aim at our faith.

The devil'92s threat to the church today goes beyond the flood of filth being poured out on the earth. It'92s beyond materialism, addictions or intense seductions. Our battle is one of faith. The more you set your heart to seek Jesus, the more vicious Satan'92s attacks on your faith become.

In recent months, I'92ve heard confessions from godly saints who speak of awful attacks on their minds. They'92re plagued by arrows of doubt and nagging questions about God'92s faithfulness. They wonder if he'92s concerned about their stagnant ministries, their troubled marriages, their children going astray. Many are just staggering onward, wavering in their faith, thinking, '93I don'92t know if I can go on.'94

Then I read the letter of a dear 81-year-old woman who wrote to our ministry. She said, '93My husband is being eaten up with bone cancer. Meanwhile, my son is dying of AIDS. And I'92m slowly wasting away with diabetes.'94 As I read everything this family is enduring, I shook my head, wondering, '93How could she possibly maintain her joy? This is too much for anyone to bear. Surely God will cut her some slack about her faith.'94

Then I read the final paragraph of her letter: '93In spite of it all, God is faithful. He has never once failed in any word he has promised us. We have given our son over into Jesus'92 hands. And now we'92re waiting for the day we see our blessed Lord face to face.'94

Yes, the battle is all about faith. We see this illustrated in Mar_8:1-38, when Jesus had just fed 4,000 people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Afterward, he got in a boat with his disciples and sailed for the other side: '93Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.

'93And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? Perceive ye not yet, neither understand? Have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not? And do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?'94 (Mar_8:14-21).

Jesus was reminding them, '93Don'92t you remember who I am? You just saw me multiply a few loaves and fish to feed multitudes. How could you forget such a miracle? I told you One greater than Solomon was in your midst. When will it dawn on you that God is present with you at all times, in every crisis? You have eyes, but you don'92t see.'94

How it must grieve our Lord when we forget his past victories in our lives, all his miracles of deliverance. He has called us his friends (see Joh_15:15), yet in our crises we often forget all about his faithful friendship. This is why Jesus warned the disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. He told them, in essence, '93If you come to me with hard questions, don'92t expect me to answer if you have a heart of unbelief. You'92re to come to me with trust and faith, believing I am One greater than Solomon.'94

In another scene in Mar_4:1-41, the disciples were again crossing a lake. This time, '93There arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full'94 (Mar_4:37). A torrent of waves flooded the boat, and the frantic disciples rushed to bail out the rising water. These were experienced fishermen, and they soon saw that their lives were in danger. So they quickly woke Jesus, who'92d been asleep at the back of the boat, and cried, '93Master, we'92re going down!'94

As I see Jesus being roused, my flesh wants him to encourage the disciples: '93I'92m so glad you woke me. This is serious. You poor brothers, I'92m sorry I let you endure this storm for so long. Forgive me for not acting sooner. Hopefully, you didn'92t think I was unconcerned about your crisis.'94

No, Jesus'92 reaction was just the opposite. He rebuked the disciples! '93Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?'94 (4:40). Imagine what those men thought in that moment: '93Did Jesus really expect us to stand in water up to our waists, and have no fear? This is the worst storm we'92ve ever faced. Waves are pouring in, the ship'92s about to sink. Were we supposed to practice faith in a seemingly hopeless situation?'94

The answer is: yes, absolutely! Jesus was testing their faith. He wanted to know, '93Will these followers trust me in the face of death? Will they cling to their belief in me?'94 In the flesh, Christ may have been asleep. But he was also God, and the Lord never sleeps: '93Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep'94 (Psa_121:4).

Right now, your boat may be flooding, your situation beyond all hope. The storm swirling around you may be as frightening as any you'92ve faced. But he is still God, and you have One greater than Solomon present with you. He is Master over every storm, and he'92ll use that storm to test you. He'92s allowing your crisis to see what'92s in your heart.

You may think, '93But what if my ship actually sinks? What then?'94 Consider Paul'92s example in Acts. His ship sank, and he didn'92t lose his life. In fact, he clung to God'92s Word to him in the midst of that storm: '93The ship will go down, but I will give you the lives of everyone on board.'94 When the storm ended, God was glorified for his faithfulness. And great miracles followed, accompanied by an awesome revival (see Act_28:1-10).

Yes, the Lord may allow you to endure something that looks absolutely disastrous. But you will survive '97 and so will your faith '97 if you trust him. Your ship may go down, but God will give you the strength to swim ashore, as he did for Paul. All you can lose is that which is material, and God can easily replace that. He owns bigger, better boats, and he'92s able to bless you with more than anything you may have lost.

I have to admit, as I read Jesus'92 rebuke to the disciples, I think, '93Lord, that'92s not fair. I receive letters from people today who are facing their own terrible disasters. They'92re losing their homes, their jobs, loved ones. Surely you don'92t expect them to remain full of faith.'94

Then the Holy Spirit reminds me of some of the poverty-stricken areas I'92ve visited. I'92ve seen people who live in shacks and sleep on dirt floors, yet who have a joy I'92ve never witnessed anywhere else. They rejoice in God'92s daily faithfulness to them, and he causes their faith to abound, despite all their trials.

There is a great falling away today from faith and trust in the One who'92s greater than Solomon.

This great apostasy is prophesied in Scripture. Paul warns, '93Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [Christ'92s return] shall not come, except there come a falling away first'94 (2Th_2:3).

In the Old Testament, the Lord gives us an example of what happens to those who fall away from faith in God'92s power on their behalf. In 2Ch_14:1-15, King Asa faced a million-man army of Ethiopians. But the king had great faith: '93Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God'94 (2Ch_14:11).

What happened then? '93The Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa'94 (14:12). What great faith Asa had! For years afterward, '93There was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa'94 (15:19). For years, Asa walked in faith before the Lord, and that brought God'92s favor to Judah. A great peace fell over the land, and that peace became a witness to the world. Soon hungry people from surrounding nations flooded Judah, because they knew Asa walked with God.

Then, in the thirty-sixth year of his reign, Asa faced another crisis. Israel'92s king rose up against Judah, capturing Ramah in an effort to cut off all trade to and from Jerusalem. The plan was to starve Judah into submission. Asa was left completely vulnerable, but this time he didn'92t rely on the Lord in his crisis. Instead of praying for God'92s direction and counsel, he turned to the king of Syria. In exchange for Syria'92s help, Asa opened up Israel'92s treasury, emptying it of all the nation'92s gold and silver.

And so Judah was delivered from their enemy, but not by the Lord. That glory went to an alien army from Syria. And now Judah'92s witness to the world of God'92s power was gone. A righteous prophet in the land came to Asa with this scathing word: '93Thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the Lord thy God'85 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars'94 (16:7, 9).

I'92m convinced many Christians today are troubled for the same reason Asa was. They have war in their souls, because they'92ve traded faith for self-reliance. But the fact is, there'92s no way a follower of Jesus can have faith in any other source and not be troubled.

Christ'92s warning is simple and clear: One greater than Solomon is among us. And we are to believe him, to trust wholly in him, and give ourselves utterly to his care. He will fight our battles and deal with our enemies. Then there will be no more wars, because he will settle them all for us: '93He maketh wars to cease'94 (Psa_46:9).

One greater than Solomon will show himself strong on your behalf, if you will trust him.

By: David Wilkerson