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2 Chronicles Chapter 2 (ESV)
1 Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the Lord, and a royal palace for himself. 2 And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens and 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 to oversee them. 3 And Solomon sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedar to build himself a house to dwell in, so deal with me. 4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel. 5 The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. 6 But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? 7 So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. 8 Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon. And my servants will be with your servants, 9 to prepare timber for me in abundance, for the house I am to build will be great and wonderful. 10 I will give for your servants, the woodsmen who cut timber, 20,000 cors of crushed wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil.”
REFLECTION:
- We should try our best to prepare a comfortable place for worship as a witness for God’s glory. At the same time, we must know that God is greater than any building and He will not be limited to a man-made temple or environment. Therefore, we should not only value the worship venue but more importantly emphasize worshipping God in spirit and in truth. Worship should be the core of our Christian life. Reflect on how much time and effort we spend on worshipping God today?
- Why did Solomon recruit the skilled workers from other countries? It was because although the Israelites were good at agriculture, they did not know much about metallurgy hence Solomon has to import skills from abroad. God allows us to use human expertise to accomplish His mission. He gives talent and gifts to Christians and non-Christians, this is God’s Common Grace. When we work together with non-Christians, we should know that God gives people talents according to His will. We should be like Solomon who valued their professional skills, more importantly we should find an opportunity to share God’s salvation with them. Reflect what we should be mindful of when we co-work with non-Christians.
PRAYER:
Come before God with a reverent heart. Meditate on God’s greatness and omnipotence and praise Him. Give thanks to God for saving you, guiding you and giving you the blessing and gift of eternal life (Eph. 2:8). Thank God for giving you various gifts and talents. Commit yourself to God that you are willing to serve Him with your gifts and talents throughout your life.
