A Devotional Thought From Luke’s Gospel

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.     Luke 11:31

                Speaking of himself in comparison with arguably the greatest king of ancient Israel, at least regarding wealth and extension of the kingdom, and reputation in the world, Jesus says, a greater than Solomon is here.

                The Magi inquired where is he that is born King of the Jews, and to have made the life interrupting, life changing, journey that they made makes it obvious they thought this King of the Jews they sought was someone special, probably greater than any King the Jews had ever had before, which would include both Solomon, and the present ruler Herod, the Great.

                                A beloved Christmas Carol focuses our thoughts of Christmas on this part of the story with the phrase, “Born is the King of Israel.”

                Solomon’s wisdom was sought by other kingdoms in the world, rulers who came from the utmost parts of the earth; Jesus is greater than Solomon. His wisdom is greater, and he offers salvation, and a daily relationship to God. The national leaders of the countries of this world today should be seeking out Jesus because he can make marvelous changes in their understanding about how to make their nations prosper and be at peace (in addition to individual salvation). If they do not seek him and his ways they will continue on the tragic paths they often follow to their nation’s hurt and the world’s.

                And, if individuals are not wise enough to seek him and the greater wisdom and salvation he offers they will eventually fall into eternal condemnation.