Read 2 Chronicles 2:1-10
Both King Solomon and his father had an ally in King Hiram of Tyre. In this reading, we’re given the privilege of seeing the royal correspondence sent to Tyre. That nation was known for having many gods, so Solomon’s message about his “awesome God” was quite a testimony of his faithful allegiance.
Solomon wastes no time in getting the temple building project underway. The details of the supplies needed as well as the number of workers to be employed seem daunting. Yet having these specifics helps us appreciate the magnitude and scale of this project.
What strikes me most about this passage is Solomon’s devotion to God in this moment. When we think of the majesty of God, Solomon’s words are not surprising here. “So who am I to consider building a Temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to him?” Do you ever feel like that, marveling at the honor it is to serve God?
By recruiting craftsman and laborers from a foreign nation, the opportunity exists for them to be exposed to Israel’s one true God. The same goes for us today when we hire non-Christians to work for us or otherwise do business with non-believers. In all circumstances, we can shine our lights for Jesus in this world.
Whether Solomon was evangelizing to King Hiram or not doesn’t matter. It was his devotion and transparency that spoke to me today. Solomon confidently called out God’s majesty with no fear. When is the last time you spoke to a non-believer about our awesome God without fear?
We often hold back because we don’t want to offend anyone. Isn’t that the saddest truth you’ve ever heard? In our day and age, the emphasis on being “politically correct” has become extreme. Certainly, we never want to attack people or seem judgmental, but we are called to speak the truth in a loving way.
In speaking of unity in the body, the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” The importance of building unity within the church goes without saying. But I believe our words of truth should be professed in a loving way no matter who we address.
Sharing our personal story of God’s love and redemption can be the best way to expose non-believers to God’s mercy and grace. We don’t need to enter those conversation with any sort of agenda other than to spread the love of Jesus, making him known. Our seeds of faith will be planted, and another kingdom worker will be used by God to nurture those seeds until those lost souls are ready to receive God’s promises.
Take time today to reflect on Solomon’s words and motivations, looking for wisdom in his actions.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are an awesome God, and your mercy astounds me every day. I love how timeless the messages in your Word are for us. We can always glean wisdom for life. Forgive me for missing opportunities to share my faith with others. Open my eyes to better recognize those times. Thank you for your patience with me as I work to be better at listening and obeying. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
