June 13, 2017. 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5.

 

 

The circumstances surrounding the building of the temple illustrate such an important understanding of our role in the kingdom of God.

David had the desire to build a temple for the Lord.  He fought many battles and overcame many setbacks to his walk with God, and yet ultimately it was his son Solomon who was the one to go on and build the esteemed temple. 

17 “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to my father David, ‘You did well to have it in your heart to build a temple for my Name. 19 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’

Has there ever been a time when you worked so hard on a project, and someone else came along and finished it and subsequently took the credit?  Or maybe there are goals you are striving to meet that you feel like you will never accomplish in your lifetime.

Those feelings can also apply to the things of God.  Maybe there is a friend or family member that you have been persistently inviting to church and trying to share the Gospel with but nothing seems to be working.  

DO NOT GIVE UP.  God has placed those tender callings in your life because He has a plan for those you are trying to reach.  You may never see the fruits of your labor, but your labors are so important.

David passed on the desire to build a temple to his son.  Because of his actions and his faith in the promises of God, his son Solomon did end up building the temple, and it was a beacon of hope and love to people from all over. 

1 Kings 8:41-42

41 “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— 42 for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple,

Share your passions with others, especially your passion to know Christ and be Christ-like.  Do not be discouraged for the things that don’t work out the way you had planned, but be encouraged that you played a part in something that might just turn out even bigger and better than you could have imagined.