It’s Good to Be Open

After a journey of fifteen hundred miles—about two months on a camel—the queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem with one goal in mind, as we learn in 1 Kings 10:2: “She came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.”

Did she really think she could best the king? Or did the two have a meeting of the minds, enjoying their point-counterpoint conversation? Solomon’s own wisdom, recorded in Proverbs 27:17, might have flitted through his mind: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

What would compel Sheba to open up to this foreign king? Since they were equals in their roles, perhaps she felt safe with him, understood by him. Maybe the fact that he was a stranger loosened her tongue.

But the most certain explanation is this: The queen of Sheba’s visit was ordained and orchestrated by the Lord, primarily for Sheba’s sake. Solomon himself wrote in Proverbs 22:11, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”

Sheba’s new relationship with Solomon was preparing her for a new relationship with his God. Thrilling to watch, isn’t it?

Solomon was surely aware of God at work. Why else would a busy sovereign keep listening, keep encouraging her—verbally or implicitly—to share what was on her heart?

Yes, it’s possible to be too open. To be naive or gullible, to stand emotionally unprotected in the company of those who don’t have our best interests at heart. Discernment is needed. But for most of us, the greater danger is being close minded instead of open hearted, staying home rather than venturing forth, playing it safe instead of taking a risk.

How do we know if we’re open to the Lord? Consider these three questions:

Am I willing? Can I accept what He tells me in His Word without arguing or resisting?

Am I eager? More than simply willing, am I all in? Is my greatest joy found in knowing and serving the Lord?

Am I available? Do I have room on my calendar to go where God leads and do what God asks?

The queen of Sheba was all of the above—willing, eager, and available. She shows us what happens when we open our hearts to something bigger than ourselves.