Dear Saints at Redeemer,

The 2012 London Olympics have provided lots of excitement and incredible moments. Records have fallen and history is being made as the premier athletes compete on the world’s biggest stage. Through all of these moments and great feats it doesn’t take long for the debates to begin around who is the greatest Olympian of all time. Michael Phelps certainly jumps to the mind as one thinks of his ridiculous haul of twenty-two medals which is more than anyone else. Usain Bolt also comes to mind as one thinks of his ability to earn back-to-back gold medals in two premier running events not just in 2012, but also from 2008. These guys enter the conversation because the things that they have accomplished in their storied careers aren’t just subjectively greater than the previous guys, but because their times are faster and they are doing things that have never been done before. The greatness of these modern athletes does not diminish the feats of the past, but it just shows how great they are as you look back at other incredible athletes they have surpassed.

As we continue in our study through 1 Kings we come to a chapter that shows Solomon at the peak of his greatness. The word is out about King Solomon and his fame has begun to spread throughout the land. The queen of Sheba hears about his fame and pays him a visit to see if what she’s heard is true. She tests Solomon with hard questions and as she sees a display of his wisdom she is amazed. If that wasn’t enough as she sees his palace, eats at his table, and observes the burnt offerings she is overwhelmed. She confesses that the wealth and wisdom of Solomon not only validates the report she has heard, but they far exceed what has been reported. Solomon wasn’t just one of the top kings, rather he was “greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” Never before had such wisdom, wealth, and fame been displayed in a king. Solomon truly possessed immense knowledge, had a vast treasure of resources, and the ability to get things done.

Travis Cardwell will consider these events in A King for the Nations from 1 Kings 10. Friends, although Solomon was the greatest king that had come up to that point he has nothing on a King that comes about 1,000 years later. Jesus Christ makes that statement that “a greater than Solomon” is here referring to himself. Jesus isn’t diminishing the greatness that Solomon had he simply is showing that he is far greater in Solomon in all areas. Although Solomon was rich in wealth, Jesus’ wealth trumps Solomon as he has the ability to meet any and every need we have. Although Solomon amazed others with his wisdom, Jesus created all the things that Solomon talked about and has perfect and complete wisdom. Although Solomon created magnificent works, all things in heaven and in earth was created by Jesus and for him. Solomon’s power was temporal and limited and Jesus power is everlasting and complete. Although one may debate who the greatest Olympian is there is no debate when it comes to the greatest One that has ever lived on the earth. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on these realities and gather together to worship our Everlasting, All-Wise, and Undefeatable King!

Thankful for the One who’s far greater than Solomon,
Billy Newhouse