In the introduction of the sermon, you can say something about the king or president of your country and about a state visit by a king or president from another country. It is important and useful that high-ranking leaders maintain good mutual relations, but then not to receive fame and honour and wealth for themselves, but to serve their countries and their people. That is why God has placed you in this high-ranking position: not for your own glory, but for building up your country. People in power must keep the peace among themselves, and the people must know themselves to be safe under their government. Everyone ought to work along to serve and help so that the country and its people may progress.

Solomon’s wisdom is proverbial. The king of Israel can understand and solve the big issues of international cooperation. The Christian faith is the deepest and strongest answer to the questions and challenges of our time. That does not mean that the Bible has answers to all kind of detailed questions in the field of science, climate, politics, society, etcetera. It does mean that you can only meaningfully contemplate about such questions and challenges from a Christian attitude of love, grace, peace and upbuilding, and always with reverence for God, the Creator. Let it not be a disposition of stubbornness, haughtiness, egotism, and greed.

The queen says beautiful things about God, but there is one thing she does not say: your God is my God. She returns to her country, to her religion. Let us be careful that we say nice things and make a beautiful confession—but that our lives do not correspond to them.

This pinnacle of Solomon’s reign is very beautiful. But the fall after this is great. Who does not think of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.