What does it feel like to receive “the royal treatment”? At Parklawn Assembly of God, it is our common goal to treat every member and visitor like Kings and Queens. Hospitality and creating a welcoming environment is a priority and passion of mine. When I first became a Christ follower, it was the welcome (among other things) that caused me to keep coming back to the church.
This is a challenge and an opportunity for the local church. How can we break free from unnecessary traditions and unhealthy attitudes that block people who are seeking a relationship with Christ? How can we shine it brighter for Jesus and our visitors seeking to know Him?
Today, let’s take a deeper look into the life of the queen of Sheba. In 1 Kings 10, the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, so she came to test Solomon with hard questions.
(We fulfill the great commission by ‘going into all the world” but people are also coming to see and meet Jesus through us. When they arrive, the question is, “will they be overwhelmed or disappointed in our representation of Christ?”)
“When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.” (1 Kings 10:4-5)
Jesus dealt with religious people and spirits who make it difficult for people to get saved. He rebuked the religious leaders for rejecting the prostitutes and sinners that He accepted.
You are I are living epistles (walking – talking bibles which people are reading every day). People are coming to us, who claim to know Christ, in hopes of finding Him and His wisdom for their lives. May we be like Solomon and those servants in his house. May people be overwhelmed by the grace and presence of God in our lives and churches.
If you or your church would like a seminar or consultation on The Royal Treatment, please contact me at pastorharvey@parklawnag.org.