“Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the Lord… And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens and 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 to oversee them. [He] sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: ‘As you dealt with David my father.., so deal with me. Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel. The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem… Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber… The house I am to build will be great and wonderful…’
“Then Hiram the king of Tyre answered in a letter that he sent to Solomon, ‘Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you king over them… Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the Lord and a royal palace for himself.'” 2 Chronicles 2:1,3-9,11-12
When Solomon takes the reins of the kingdom, a holy fire flames within. What a gift from God! Enthralled with his LORD, armed with an eternal perspective and purpose, he sets about the work of building a temple for His name with zeal and passion. As his desire to do the work burns, he is overwhelmed by the invisible spiritual magnitude of his intention. Shouldn’t we all be, with any work asked of our mighty God?
In any endeavor, if we are truly doing our work as unto Him, we must be captivated and compelled by God’s indescribable greatness and worth. We realize that while we make every effort to honor Him, He is still above and beyond us. His glory is still greater and His ways still loftier than anything we can imagine or produce. Such an outlook fuels humility and determines excellence in all we do. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Colossians 3:23)
Our work is a gift from God, designed for us who were made in His image to reflect His glory, be fruitful, and multiply. We should be zealous in our industry and delight in exercising God’s purpose for us as a demonstration of love, gratitude, and reverence. (Genesis 1:26-29; 2:7-9,15; Romans 12:6-11; James 1:17)
Have we grown lazy? Weary? Whiny? Do we hide and hope others will step up, or take advantage of opportunities to serve and do good? How would a higher view of God elevate our work? (Galatians 6:9-10)
Father, may I purpose, in all I plan and do, to exalt Your beauty, reflect Your excellencies, and honor Your name.
As the rain and snow 
Love ❤️ “We realize that while we make every effort to honor Him, He is still above and beyond us.” Yes, no effort, no work, no praise can truly reach God’s indescribable greatness and worth. But He delights us doing all these in humble ways.
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