One of the great projects in the OT was the construction of Solomon’s Temple. The dream was actually born in the heart of Solomon’s father, David. Early in his reign David revealed to the prophet Nathan his desire to build a temple to take the place of the tabernacle that had been around forever. In David’s mind, God deserved a beautiful new building, not an old tent.
The Lord was pleased with David’s desire. However, He made it known through the prophet that the temple would be built, not by David, but by one of his sons. David’s calling was that of a warrior-king (1 Chronicles 28:3). Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” had a different calling. Rather than fighting battles and killing giants like his father, Solomon would build the temple that would later bear his name.
So what did David do? He spent years preparing for the temple that someone else would build. And when the time came he handed Solomon the written construction plans plus a fortune in gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, marble, precious stones, and everything else needed. He even gave out of his personal resources to build the temple he would never see.
We have just come through a great mission’s convention. As I listened to each speaker I felt the call to their field of service. I was in South Africa with Alan Pettenger, and French-speaking Africa with Jim Byh. Then my heart traveled to Bangladesh with Larry Smith. And then at our mission’s café, I was in India with Ken Belbin. Maybe you can identify. But now it’s Monday morning and we are all still right here in SW Florida, our mission field.
Here’s the deal. Just as God called David to provide for the great work that Solomon would accomplish, so God calls us to give so that others can go. And just as David was rewarded along with Solomon for the construction of the temple (1 Kings 8:18; 2 Chronicles 6:8), so we will share in the rewards of those who were able to go because we gave.
Be encouraged today. We are part of a construction project far greater than Solomon’s Temple that was later destroyed by the Babylonians. We are working in partnership with Christ Himself Who said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Pastor Todd Weston
The Lord was pleased with David’s desire. However, He made it known through the prophet that the temple would be built, not by David, but by one of his sons. David’s calling was that of a warrior-king (1 Chronicles 28:3). Solomon, whose name means “peaceful,” had a different calling. Rather than fighting battles and killing giants like his father, Solomon would build the temple that would later bear his name.
So what did David do? He spent years preparing for the temple that someone else would build. And when the time came he handed Solomon the written construction plans plus a fortune in gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, marble, precious stones, and everything else needed. He even gave out of his personal resources to build the temple he would never see.
We have just come through a great mission’s convention. As I listened to each speaker I felt the call to their field of service. I was in South Africa with Alan Pettenger, and French-speaking Africa with Jim Byh. Then my heart traveled to Bangladesh with Larry Smith. And then at our mission’s café, I was in India with Ken Belbin. Maybe you can identify. But now it’s Monday morning and we are all still right here in SW Florida, our mission field.
Here’s the deal. Just as God called David to provide for the great work that Solomon would accomplish, so God calls us to give so that others can go. And just as David was rewarded along with Solomon for the construction of the temple (1 Kings 8:18; 2 Chronicles 6:8), so we will share in the rewards of those who were able to go because we gave.
Be encouraged today. We are part of a construction project far greater than Solomon’s Temple that was later destroyed by the Babylonians. We are working in partnership with Christ Himself Who said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Pastor Todd Weston
