“Concerning this house which your are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will carry out My word with you which I spoke to David your father. I will dwell among the sons of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.” So Solomon built the house and finished it.
I Kings 6:12-14 (NASB)
David longed to build a house for the Lord. But he was unable to because of the wars that surrounded him. His adversaries were great and his iniquities had been many. A man after God’s own heart, he had failed miserably. And so God had given the responsibility to David’s son. Solomon was provided rest on every side, and the ability to build. If he walked in truth, God would protect him and keep His promises. And God would not forsake him. Not a sound could be heard from hammer, axe, or metal tool while he worked. This was a place of quiet, but work was being done. Solomon trusted God and obeyed His commands! With care and concern, Solomon completed the temple in 7 years. He then built his own palace.
It took Solomon 13 years to construct his home from the forests of Lebanon. It was a labor of love that took time. It couldn’t be rushed! A beautiful dwelling with a solid foundation of costly stones, it also had artistic workmanship. Solomon was concerned with details, and his choices expressed his love for finer things. He was successful not only because of his keen vision, but because he chose his workers with care, and was diligent. Solomon had known he could complete the work if he kept his eyes focused on the task before him and continued to trust. He had faithfully completed the temple, the Lord’s calling, and could now focus on his home.
Solomon created artistically framed windows that provided light, their shutters controlling the flow of air. And decorative doorways and doorposts, the entrance ways to communication, were thoughtfully designed. Pillars, symbols of strength, lined the hallways and porch. And the capitals on the pillars of the porch had a lily design. They and the engraved pomegranates, lions, palm trees and wreaths all had meaning. The entrance ways and porch welcomed guests to come sit for a while. Both homes were planned with understanding and wisdom, nothing was done by accident. Solomon thought of everything because he was in tune with God. He trusted Him and didn’t need to rush important work. These were homes intended to stand through the test of times! And their beauty was displayed in the details.
There is a message that lies within I Kings 7 that is for today. God will help us build our homes if we are faithful to keep our eyes turned towards Him and obey His commandments. He will bring beauty into the smallest of places, closets we stuff with our junk, and old and new hurts. And the hidden corners we have closed off. His presence in our lives will welcome others, and fellowship will be possible. As fear is cast aside, our porches and living rooms will become a safe haven. As we take responsibility for the pain we have caused others, and ask forgiveness, new beginnings are possible. May we be channels of His love and kindness. We do not need to own palaces with pillars and artistic windows. And we may not have engraved pomegranates and lilies on the doors and capitals. All we need is open seats and minds. We set aside our hurts and differences to build…homes within our heart.
May we go forth this day trusting that He will help us build!
Lily Mae
Well written-may our arms be open wide and our ears in a listening position !