SEEKING HIS PRESENCE
“And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.” II Chronicles 9:23
Solomon’s wealth and his wisdom were beyond imagination. People traveled great distances to witness the magnificence of the temple and Solomon’s court. He “exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom” (I Kings 10:23). He wrote three thousand proverbs and over a thousand songs. Much of our Book of Proverbs in the Bible is attributed to the writings of this wise king. Our text says, “all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom.” Imagine the respect and interest these dignitaries had, with a desire to be in Solomon’s presence and to hear his wisdom. Had we lived in the days of Solomon, it would have been a great privilege to be in his presence and to hear his words. However, we are reminded that Jesus said in Matthew 12:42, referring to Himself, “a greater than Solomon is here.”
There is no king like our King. As much of a privilege as it would have been to sit in Solomon’s presence and to listen to his wisdom, we have an even greater opportunity. We can be in God’s presence and hear His Words and wisdom. As earnestly as the kings of the earth desired to be in the presence of Solomon, we ought to seek to be in the presence of Jesus. We want to live in His presence, walk in His presence, sing in His presence, and serve in His presence. Of course, we realize that God is everywhere, and we are always in His presence. But He has also promised to manifest Himself in our hearts and lives and dwell, particularly, where He is welcome. He said, for instance, concerning the assembly of His churches, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). When the New Testament church assembles, Jesus promises to be in their midst.
It is interesting that kings would travel great distances to be in Solomon’s presence and to hear his words, while many who claim to belong to Jesus will not choose to gather with fellow church members to learn of One greater than Solomon. Through prayer, the child of God is invited to “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).
If kings passionately desired to visit the throne of Solomon, should we not more so desire to visit the throne of God in prayer? May it be said of us that we “sought the presence” of our Savior.