2 Chronicles 2:3-5 - Solomon also sent this message to King
Hiram at Tyre: "Send me cedar logs like the ones that were
supplied to my father, David, when he was building his palace. I am about to
build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God. It will be a place set
apart to burn incense and sweet spices before him, to display the special
sacrificial bread, and to sacrifice burnt offerings each morning and evening,
on the Sabbaths, at new moon celebrations, and at the other appointed festivals
of the LORD our God. He has commanded Israel to do these things forever. "This will be a magnificent Temple
because our God is an awesome God, greater than any other.
Solomon gathered one of the biggest construction crews ever
known to man to build the temple of God.
He used local craftsman and those from other lands that had been gifted
with stone cutting….and metal working skills. Lumber was bartered for from the
King of Tyre. The message Solomon sent to King Hiram was a testimony of the
great God that would be worshiped in the grand temple he was building.
Solomon took the opportunity to testify about the one true
God….Yahweh…when he sent his message requesting materials and laborers to help
in the building of the temple. He knew that King Hiram worshiped many Gods…and
wanted him to know that this temple was being built for the God of Israel…the
greatest God….the most powerful God.
It is a reminder to me to always take the time to testify to
the greatness of God in my own life. As our day progresses we naturally cross
paths with people who need to hear about God…and the great things he has done
to give us strength. They need to hear the stories of how he has blessed us….and
the positive influence it has had on our growth as a person.
Many of us don’t share what God has done in our life these
days because we are afraid of being politically incorrect. We don’t want to offend anyone who might
believe another way. We dilute the truth….we
share only the stuff they might accept…or worse yet…remain silent. We simply don’t take a stand for God….concerned
that other people will be offended.
Hiram wasn’t offended…he saw the greatness of God through his
servant Solomon…and sent blessings back in return. He sent him all the wood and laborers he
requested….building a partnership that God could use to model his love. The long days of labor and work on the temple
modeled the love of the one true God to
a nation of people who believed and worshiped more than one.
Father….thank you for this reminder that God requires us to
praise him to others. Help me to always
see the opportunities you place in my path to witness to others…and tell them
the great things you have done in my life.
Give me words like you gave Solomon…that will show your glory…that will
make them stop and listen…and consider that God might have a place in their lives
as well. Give me courage to always speak boldly for you…and not water down your
word. Amen.
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