Wisdom of the Cross

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

1 Kings 10 reads like a reality TV episode, but with a theological twist. The Queen of Sheba travels a massive distance because she’s heard of Solomon’s wisdom and his relationship with Yahweh. When she sees the order, the wealth, and hears his insight, she’s literally breathless. It’s a picture of the world being drawn to the light of God’s people. Israel was supposed to be a magnet for the nations, drawing everyone toward God. Is it happening?!

Here we encounter a layer of irony. While Solomon is drowning in gold and shields, he’s starting to violate the laws for kings (don’t multiply gold, don’t multiply horses). He has the wisdom, but he’s losing the “fear of the Lord.” Jesus later mentions this very scene in Matthew 12:42, saying, “The Queen of the South… came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here.”

Psalm 82 reminds us that even the most glorious earthly kings are under God’s judgment. True wisdom isn’t just about accumulating wealth or solving riddles; it’s about lifting up the weak and fatherless. Solomon’s glory was fading gold, but Jesus’ glory is found in redeeming the broken. We shouldn’t be impressed by the bling of the world, but by the wisdom of the Cross, which is foolishness to the world, but it's the Word of God to us who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Devotional Prompts:

What qualities in your life might cause an outsider to ask you about the God you serve?
How can you distinguish between worldly success and Godly wisdom in your current season?
In what ways is Jesus “greater than Solomon” in your daily experience of His grace?

Prayer: King of Kings, grant me a heart that seeks Your wisdom above all earthly riches. Help me to be a witness to those around me, pointing them toward Jesus. Teach me to value justice and mercy as much as You do. Amen.