The Greatest Offering

The Greatest Offering

Queen Of Sheba

Read: 1 Kings 10:10-13

Patsy looked at the huge floral arrangement in the Waterford crystal vase. I’d trade that for a five-minute phone call in a heartbeat. Every birthday and most holidays were the same—she could expect flowers, a fruit basket, and maybe a gift certificate from an expensive boutique, but no personal contact. It wasn’t as if her daughter couldn’t afford to fly in for a visit; she obviously didn’t want to take the trouble. I’d rather be shown a little attention than showered with expensive gifts that I don’t really need, Patsy thought.

Although the queen of Sheba saw that Solomon was the richest man on earth, she showered him with gifts from her own wealth, including four tons of gold, huge quantities of spices, and precious jewels. The queen followed the usual custom in offering tribute to the king of another country; she also wanted to honor Solomon for the wisdom he had shared with her. King Solomon bestowed generous gifts on his royal guest, too, and gave her whatever else she asked for.

Many of us wish that we could afford to buy more expensive presents for those we care about, but the price tag isn’t what’s important. An expensive anniversary gift doesn’t mean much to a wife whose husband never shows affection the rest of the year. Fancy toys won’t make children feel loved if their parents don’t spend time with them. Thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness linger in our memories long after flowers wilt and checks are cashed and spent.

Similarly, God is more concerned with our attitudes than with the amount of our offerings. Giving a lot of money to his work doesn’t mean anything if we don’t spend time with him. We honor God by obeying his Word and giving loving service to others. We can’t impress him with material wealth, but we can shower him with expressions of our love.

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:6