Day 111

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Solomon's Temple

2 Chronicles Introduction

2 Chronicles spans Israel's history from its highest peak to its lowest ebb—from Solomon's reign to the Babylonian exile. First comes the building of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. Following years of world power and world renown, Solomon dies and the spiritual, moral, and military fortunes of the nation rise and fall with the quality of leadership on the throne. The few righteous rulers cannot stop the nation's downward slide, and God's judgment ultimately falls: invasion, defeat, captivity...

Scripture

April 20—2 Chronicles 1-5: Solomon's Temple

Observation

Today's passage can be easily summarized by reading just the first verses of chapters 1, 2, 3, and 5 and they are as listed:
  1. Solomon was now the undisputed ruler of Israel
  2. Solomon now decided to build a temple for the Lord
  3. The actual construction of the Temple began
  4. So the Temple was finally finished
Hidden in those verse is the fact that the building of Solomon's temple required the efforts of 153,000 laborers over seven years!

Application

What do you give the person who has everything? If you think that's a tough question, then consider the one Solomon was faced with: What do you give the God who has everything? More specifically, how do you build a house for the God whom even the highest heavens cannot contain (2:6)?

Though no finite structure could ever surround the infinite God, yet it could reflect his glory and majesty, causing those who entered it to respond in awe, adoration, and worship.

And in a striking way, that is your assignment today as well: to reflect the glory of the One who dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Jesus put it this way: "Let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16). You can do that through the clothes you wear, the words you speak, the habits you practice, the places you frequent. These will either reflect—or detract from—the glory of your abiding Lord.

Put a candle in a prominent place in your home or office to remind you throughout the day of the importance of letting your light shine.

Prayer

Yes Lord, let our little light shine so bright that people see you in us glorifying your name. Let our shining lights lead all observers into your loving arms. In Jesus name, amen!

Let Our Light Shine!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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