April 16, 2024

After Solomon completed the temple, he built his palace. From the description, it seemed extraordinary, full of windows and light. I’m an outdoorsy girl and love windows that bring the light from outside indoors, so I understand Solomon’s desire to have many windows. Even though 1 Kings 7 is mainly about the details of Solomon’s house and the making of the brass items for the temple, the most fitting lesson is the order. Solomon took less than a year to complete the temple in honor of God, but his own home took thirteen years! He completed his work on God’s house promptly, but his house was less important, so he took his time. Solomon put God first! If you think about your conversion to Christ, we welcomed him into our broken-down temple, and he began the building-up process and completed a good work within us. 

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

Imagine our body as the temple for the Holy Spirit of God, then realize that it also houses our entire being. It is more important that we bring light into our beings and build up the spirit within us because, eventually, our bodies will give out, and all that will be left is our spirit that the Holy Spirit enlightens. I’m all for taking care of our body, but no matter how good you are at exercise and nutrition, one day, the only thing left is what you build with the Holy Spirit. Put God first by building your relationship with him; then, the rest will fall into place like it did for Solomon.  

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 7:51