Proverbs 18:15-16
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.  A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

2 Chronicles 9:1-4, 9
“When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.  Arriving with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind.  Solomon answered all her questions…When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built…she was overwhelmed…Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones.  There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”

Luke 7:36-38
“Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him…When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.  Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”

King of all kings, a universe of riches could not compare to the glory of heaven’s threshold.

Though you deserve the homage of queens, you open the door for the outcast.  Instead of gold and precious stones, you accept tears and humble kisses.

May the small gifts we cherish be given to you in thanksgiving.  Draw us with your wisdom and overwhelm us with your mercy.

At the feet of Christ we make our requests, who gave the gift of his life and has now become our greatest treasure.

Listen to ‘Only Jesus’ by Sojourn