ASKING HARD QUESTIONS
Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 1 Kings 10:1, R.S.V.
The queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions concerning Israel's God. The nations around Israel marveled at the wisdom of Israel's government, and by this God's name had been uplifted. Determined to understand the reasons behind such success and prosperity, the queen of Sheba sought out Israel's king and "told him all that was on her mind." The record states that he "answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king which he could not explain to her" (1 Kings 10:2, 3, R.S.V.).
There is something very wonderful about this story. Here we see a picture of God that is compellingly attractive. Solomon expressed total openness to any questions the queen might have concerning God. And that openness portrays God as eager for us to ask questions--so that He may answer them!
There is no need to fear that God might detect in us some unsettledness in our feelings toward Him. If He should discover that we still have questions in our minds about Him, He will not condemn us--"How could you doubt Me?"--but rather, He encourages us to tell Him everything that is on our minds so that He might then answer all our questions. Not one of them does He consider inappropriate or too hard to answer.
Candidly, have you not had questions in your mind to which you dared not give utterance for fear of denying your faith? I know I have. Even when in prayer I have sometimes tended to avoid the issues that are pressing on my heart. Is it because I fear to show any trace of unbelief, that this would displease God? Or is it that I am afraid to face myself? "I'm not supposed to have any questions! I'm supposed to trust. I should be thankful; I should be praising God more..."
Yes, we are supposed to trust, to trust that God is absolutely committed to teaching us to live in reality. We need to learn to deal with every issue, inwardly as well as outwardly. He calls Himself our friend, deliberately bringing us up to His level so that we may enjoy the uninhibited communion that real friends share. For this friendship we may be deeply thankful, knowing that He delights to answer all our questions! Trusting Him in this way, we show our praise.
Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 1 Kings 10:1, R.S.V.
The queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions concerning Israel's God. The nations around Israel marveled at the wisdom of Israel's government, and by this God's name had been uplifted. Determined to understand the reasons behind such success and prosperity, the queen of Sheba sought out Israel's king and "told him all that was on her mind." The record states that he "answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king which he could not explain to her" (1 Kings 10:2, 3, R.S.V.).
There is something very wonderful about this story. Here we see a picture of God that is compellingly attractive. Solomon expressed total openness to any questions the queen might have concerning God. And that openness portrays God as eager for us to ask questions--so that He may answer them!
There is no need to fear that God might detect in us some unsettledness in our feelings toward Him. If He should discover that we still have questions in our minds about Him, He will not condemn us--"How could you doubt Me?"--but rather, He encourages us to tell Him everything that is on our minds so that He might then answer all our questions. Not one of them does He consider inappropriate or too hard to answer.
Candidly, have you not had questions in your mind to which you dared not give utterance for fear of denying your faith? I know I have. Even when in prayer I have sometimes tended to avoid the issues that are pressing on my heart. Is it because I fear to show any trace of unbelief, that this would displease God? Or is it that I am afraid to face myself? "I'm not supposed to have any questions! I'm supposed to trust. I should be thankful; I should be praising God more..."
Yes, we are supposed to trust, to trust that God is absolutely committed to teaching us to live in reality. We need to learn to deal with every issue, inwardly as well as outwardly. He calls Himself our friend, deliberately bringing us up to His level so that we may enjoy the uninhibited communion that real friends share. For this friendship we may be deeply thankful, knowing that He delights to answer all our questions! Trusting Him in this way, we show our praise.
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