Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 2 & 3

His House Will Be Great

The purpose of the Temple in Jerusalem was to provide a dwelling place for the presence of Yahweh, as it is written, “They are to make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8) The Temple Solomon was to build was to be the place of God’s holy presence and the center of worship and spirituality for the nation. In Israel, this Temple to Yahweh was called “Beit Hamikdash,” which translates literally as "the Holy House."

Temples for the purpose of religious worship were not unusual in Solomon’s day. A temple was a structure usually built for the purpose of, and always dedicated to, religious or spiritual activities including prayer, meditation, sacrifice and worship. Every sacred site had a link to the past and honored the specific “god” whose temple it was.  Ancient Egyptian temples were dedicated to their myriad of different deities or so-called “gods.” Ancient Mesopotamian temples were considered the house of the local deity or the patron god of the city. In China, early temples honored Xi'an (heaven) which represented both creation and divine order. 

The conventional thinking of the day was, “The grander the god, the grander the temple.” Thus, a routine or trite deity would have a rather inglorious temple, while the more powerful and great “gods” would have the most elaborate and magnificent temples. The Temple to Yahweh was no exception. It was to be the greatest and most magnificent place. As Solomon said, “The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.” (V5)

The reality is that a Temple great enough to house God’s presence and be a reflection of His grandness could never be built by human hands. The notion that the omnipresent Creator of Heaven and Earth could be confined in a house or a temple was laughable. As Solomon went on to say, “The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him.” (V6) We cannot localize God, nor confine Him to a structure made of stone.

Nevertheless, God’s Temple was to be built. And it was to be the grandest of temples. It was going to be the greatest undertaking ever for the Israeli people. In fact, it would take over 150 thousand workers seven years to complete. No expense would be spared.  And, when completed, it would serve as the place for God’s people to gather and come into His presence for prayer, sacrifice, and worship.

Solomon’s dedication to the magnificence of the Lord’s Temple is an example of a person who knows that everything done for God is worthwhile and it must be done with all of our might and commitment. We also have a calling from Yahweh to “build His temple.” Our undertaking is not a stone building, but a spiritual building made up of “living stones” who come to Him and become His Church (see 1 Peter 2:4-5). We, like Solomon, must recognize that everything we do to build this spiritual “Temple” is worthwhile and must be done with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our Grand God deserves nothing less!

 

Today's Reading: Proverbs 8

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

In Proverbs 8, we see wisdom personified as a woman standing at the center of the town square and raising her voice loudly as she cries out, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye – Come and Listen!” She is calling at full volume for people to come to her so she can impart to them the qualities of her wisdom – qualities which include decency, righteousness, discretion, honor, and truth. She is not selling her goods, she wants no money in exchange for what she is offering. She invites one and all to come and take the gifts of wisdom freely and without charge. With her deafening voice, she reminds us that wisdom – true wisdom – is far better than riches, honor, or wealth.

Listen to Wisdom’s words as she exhorts you to seek her: “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (V33-36 NLT)  Take note that her wisdom is available everywhere and to anyone. You don’t need a “superior intellect” to be wise, you just need to listen – really listen.

In verse 5, she exhorts simple and foolish people to learn two things: prudence and sense. The word “simple” in this verse is not an insult or put-down. In the Hebrew it is a word which simply means naïve or inexperienced. Wisdom is inviting this naïve person to replace their ignorance with  true depth of wisdom. The word “foolish” refers to someone who finds sport in pursuing mischief and empty recreation. The great promise here is that if the naïve and foolish will but listen, they too can become wise.

The word “prudence” carries the idea of using forethought and good judgement when moving forward with life’s decisions. The person who is prudent can see the possible pitfalls that await them, and can devise a crafty course of action to avoid those pitfalls. If the simple person will but listen when wisdom cries out, he/she will become shrewd with life’s choices – able to distinguish the right path. The word “sense” means to have intelligence and discretion. The fool who listens to and learns from the voice of wisdom will no longer be foolish, but will have the blessing of spiritual perception. This is the type of wisdom and perception that surpasses all human intelligence.

While Proverbs 8 gives us a virtual view of wisdom personified, there is One who came who gives us the literal and perfect view. His name is Jesus. "For in Him are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is standing at the center of your “town square” and raising His voice to you – “Come unto Me and Listen! I will impart true wisdom to you.” Seek Him first, and all these things will be added to you.

 

Today's Reading: Proverbs 6

The Way Of Life

Many people (Christians included) view God’s commandments as constricting. They think that God’s rules will somehow hold them back from fun and enjoyment or somehow restrict their freedom. As humans, it is part of our nature to crave independence and autonomy. We want to be the ones calling the shots and making the rules. We really don’t like someone else telling us what we can and cannot do. And, when we don’t understand the rationale behind the rules, we are more likely to resist complying with them. We want to agree before we obey. And before agreeing, we want to embrace the rationale underlying the rules.

Here in Proverbs 6, Solomon gives us several warnings regarding God’s commandments. He addresses such things as making hasty pledges, slothfulness, dishonesty, sowing discord, pride, and adultery. Thankfully, he gives us the rationale underlying each of these commands – namely that if you fail to follow God’s ways, you are setting yourself up for unintended consequences. He urges us to “save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter” from such consequences.

The reality is that God gives us rules for living because He loves us and knows the pain we will experience if we don’t follow His ways. His commands are not intended to hold us back from fun, they are to hold us back from pain and misery. For example, hasty pledges will result in financial ruin; slothfulness results in poverty; dishonesty results in brokenness; sowing discord results in calamity; adultery results in “fire next to your chest” and “walking on hot coals.” God gives you His commandments because He loves you and wants to prevent painful consequences.

But wait, there’s more! God’s commands are not just to prevent pain. God’s commands are intended to be “the way of life.” Rather than being restrictive, or cramping our style, God’s ways bring true freedom, joy, and pleasure. Verse 23 tells us that God’s commandment and teaching is intended to be a lamp to show us light and to guide us to true freedom. Along with His commands, God sends us His reproofs as corrective discipline to keep us on the right path. True life exists only as we walk in fellowship with our Creator, and His reproofs are given out of His pure love for us as a means of guiding us to this place of fellowship and the way of true living. So, don’t resist God’s commands – they are meant for your good. And don’t reject His discipline - they are the way of life.

Today's Reading: Proverbs 5

 

Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth

Chapter 5 of Proverbs presents a strong warning to men about seeking sexual pleasures from an immoral woman. In no uncertain terms, Solomon says “Beware of the prostitute and the temptations she offers.” The temporary pleasure that an illicit sexual encounter brings is short-lived, but the bitterness that follows is lasting.  Every man must flee the temptations offered by such immoral company,

In verses 18 & 19, Solomon focuses on the married man. The married man should be faithful to his wife and seek his sexual pleasures in her alone.  He should seek no pleasures from the immoral women found around the streets, offices, work places, and market places trying to seduce people. Married or single, a man must bear in mind that God sees everything. You cannot hide your sin from Him.

The Bible speaks so much of the beauty of the love and the love relationship within marriage. God has ordained marriage. In the beginning when God made them male and female. He said, "For this cause shall a man leave his mother and father, and cleave to his wife: and they two shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)  God wanted the earth to be populated by man. And so, God created the reproduction organs in the body. And God created strong sexual drives, strong sexual urges. And He made the experience very exciting, very pleasurable. It is a God-created drive and must be used in a God-honoring way. God has ordained that these drives be satisfied and be fulfilled solely within the bonds of a marriage covenant, where two persons of opposite sex make a covenant before God that they will love, honor, cherish one another until death separates them. 

When you move sex out of the environment for which God has created it, then that which was created to be beautiful and meaningful and glorious becomes sinful. So God speaks very frankly here to all of us as Solomon speaks to his son and exhorts him about this beautiful gift that he has from God, fountains of life. Don't go spilling them on the street with just anybody. But enjoy the wife of your youth. "Be ravished always with her love."

The Lord here points out that fidelity to one’s marriage partner is His way, and results in His blessing. Strict faithfulness guards us from the heartbreak and tragedy that accompany promiscuity. Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth – and her alone.

 

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 6

Now, About That House

King David had longed to build a house for God as a place where God would dwell and where He would be worshipped. But God told David, “No.” David was not permitted by God to build this “house,” but the Lord promised that David’s son, Solomon, would carry out the construction project per David’s plans.

This “house” or “temple” was to be a magnificent building - the grandest in all of Israel. The simplest way to describe this temple is as a rectangular stone building with a porch added to the front, and three stories of storerooms added to the sides and rear. Inside, the Temple would be laid out much like the Tabernacle (“Tent of Meeting”) had been, comprised of two main chambers – the Holy Place & the Most Holy Place – with a stone porch at the entrance. At the entrance to the porch there were to be two bronze pillars. Inside, Solomon was to place the priestly articles of worship – lampstands, table of shewbread, incense altar, and the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. It was going to be a spectacular building – as long as Solomon met the conditions of God’s blessing upon it.

Here in verse 12, the Lord says, “Now, about that house, Solomon, if you want Me to keep My word and bless this building project, then you must submit to certain conditions.” God’s promise to bless the construction of the Temple was a conditional promise based on Solomon’s obedience the God’s laws. IF you will walk in my ways, THEN I will establish my word, as I spoke to your father, David. The promises made to David are now confirmed to Solomon, but on the express condition of obedience.

Many times in Scripture, the Lord gives us promises which are conditional. For example, if we want the Lord to give us “the desires of our heart,” we must meet the condition of “delighting ourselves in Him.” (Psalm 37:4) Another example is that the Lord “will direct our path,” if we meet the condition of “Trusting in Him with all our heart and leaning not on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Again, Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Do you need God’s peace in your life? Then you must meet the condition of “staying your mind” on Him.

Is there an area of your life where God’s promise to you seems just out of reach? Could it be that there is a condition that you’ve not met? Pray that the Holy Spirit reveal these areas to you. God’s promises are sure! But His conditions must be met. 
 

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 5

Blessed With Wise Children

In verse 7 we read the words of Hiram, the king of Tyre, after he heard the news that Solomon was the new king, “Blessed be Yahweh this day.” These words may be an indication that Hiram (a Gentile) had converted to Judaism and believed in the One True and Only God, or simply his recognition that Yahweh was the God of Israel. We are told that Hiram was an admirer of David and, as such, he likely acknowledged the many times Yahweh had intervened with power on David’s and Israel’s behalf. For this, he had great respect for David and now going forward, David’s son, Solomon.

After acknowledging that Solomon was Yahweh’s choice as Israel’s new king, Hiram went on to recognize Solomon’s great wisdom. He rejoiced that Solomon had such a depth of wisdom as he began to reign in David’s stead. His words reveal that he knew the source of Solomon’s wisdom “the LORD… has given to David a wise son.”

What a blessing it is for any parent to witness God’s hand upon their child’s life. And it is heart-warming when others take notice of the Lord’s work in their child and bless God for it. For the follower of Christ, our mandate from God is clear – raise your child in the ways of the Lord. Ephesians 5:4 admonishes us to “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” This is not an easy undertaking by any means. It requires diligence and love and persistence and lots of prayer on the part of the parents. Parents must be so careful to ensure that (in addition to their child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs) their spiritual needs are fostered and nurtured with the truth of God. And, what joy it brings when we can step back and say, “Blessed be the Lord this day who has given to [me] a wise son/daughter.”

It is an amazing thing to watch as your child “graduates” to interacting with God on their own. What a joy when your child demonstrates spiritual wisdom such that others take notice of it.

 It is truly a blessing when we have wise children. In this context, we remember the words of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” What joy it brings when your child remains on the “Highway of Holiness” even after you’ve released control of his/her life.

Today's Reading: Proverbs 4

 

Growing From A Glimmer

God used this verse from Proverbs to finally get ahold of me and deal with my chronic self-condemnation. When I first received Christ and was born again, I became aware of God’s righteous and holy standards for human behavior. Simultaneously, I became suddenly aware of my own unrighteousness and unholiness. As I looked at my own heart and mind and actions, I became acutely aware of my personal failings. I lived in a constant state of “not-good-enough.” I was trying to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” but I was just so far away from God’s ideals. My mind was occupied with thoughts of my shortcomings and my heart was burdened with the impossible task of meeting God’s standards.

Then one day, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” In that moment I realized that the Christian life was not one of instant perfection, but rather one of slow and steady growth. God did not expect me to be perfect! And I did not need to occupy my life with self-condemnation and thoughts of failure. Just as the sun begins to shine brighter as the dawn approaches and the day begins, the path of the Christian is one of spiritual growth – starting out as barely a glimmer and growing day-by-day into the righteous and holy person God intends me to be.

What a freeing experience. I learned that I was not alone struggling with my sin. I was in this Christian life side by side with the God who loved me, and saved me, and will one day bring my spiritual growth to completion in eternity. The Holy Spirit had been dispatched to my spirit to bring me closer and closer to the image of Christ. The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. The Message paraphrase puts it like this, “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.”

So… Don’t be so hard on yourself! You are not yet what God wants you to be and that’s OK. As you follow Him, and trust Him, the longer you live, the brighter you will shine. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)