God Speaks
Solomon Builds the Temple for Worshiping the LORD His God
Verse of the Day: [Solomon told Hiram, King of Tyre,] “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I to build a temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?” (2 Chronicles 2:4-6 NIV 2011)
Read or listen on BibleGateway.com
Watch TBR Day 162
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding I Kings 5-6 and II Chronicles 2-3:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
I Kings 5
1. God keeps His word to His people as He did with His promise to David by enabling Solomon to build the temple.
2. When people like Solomon are doing things God’s way and giving Him credit, other people like Hiram will take notice and praise God.
I Kings 6
1. God personally affirms His instructions to us as we proceed to carry out His will in His way just as He did with Solomon.
2. People are to walk in God’s statutes, execute His ordinances, and keep all His commandments. Jesus did this perfectly for us, and the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable us to do the same.
II Chronicles 2
1. God gives people the skills and abilities they need to do the work to which He has assigned them.
2. People need to develop and use the skills, abilities, and talents God has given them for His glory, not their own.
II Chronicles 3
1. A temple for God the LORD and Creator of the universe deserves the very best (most beautiful artistry) we can give.
2. When people are working together for God’s glory and following His plans, the results will be stunning.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding I Kings 5-6 and II Chronicles 2-3?
Dear LORD God, thank You for the intimate, personal relationship You had with King David that caused him to want to build You a “house” where people could come to worship You as he did. Thank You for Solomon who acknowledged that he needed wisdom from You in order to rule Your people well. Thank You for all of the people who had a part, however small, in building a temple for Your name. Help me to live a life that honors You in every way. Help me (and Your other children) to know Your commands so that I (we) can carry them out. Each of us has a special part to play. I want my life to be a beautiful display of who You are, especially of Your mercy and grace. May all who truly belong to You bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to I Kings 5-6 and II Chronicles 2-3?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will examine my life to see what kind of temple I am building to bring honor to the LORD the great creator of the universe and the Son of God who died and rose again for me.
- I will study the Bible so that I know God’s statutes, ordinances, and commandments in order to live them out.
- I will use the skills, abilities, and talents God has graciously given me wisely and well and give Him the credit He deserves.
- I will work to complete an assignment the LORD has given me with excellence, precision, attention to detail, and an eye for beauty which points people to Him.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.