As the rain and snow

“Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, [he] returned from Egypt. And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.’ He said to them, ‘Go away for three days, then come again to me.’ So the people went away.

“Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer this people?’ And they said to him, ‘If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.’ But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. ‘What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?’ And the young men… said to him, ‘Thus shall you speak to this people.., “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”‘

“So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day… And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, ‘My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:1-14

Sadly, Rehoboam showed his folly from the start of his reign. His mind was unstable and his goals unclear, so he determined to secure permission that stroked the lowest common denominator of his fleshly hunger for untamed power. Wasn’t that more delicious than being kind? (Proverbs 12:15; 13:20; 18:2; 19:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; James 1:5-8)

His decision met with animosity, rebellion, and ongoing strife. It stirred suspicion, jealousy, and fear. It resulted in a murder, and ultimately drove his opponent Jeroboam to gross idolatry that led a large portion of Israel astray. Bad advice never gets us forward nor promotes the honor of God. (1 Kings 12:16-19,21,25-31)

In what situations are we tempted to seek out advice we want, rather than need? Recognizing weak areas and self-bent go a long way toward correcting our route, and God can use that conviction to redirect us within the boundaries of His word. What are we doing to develop relationships with those who speak truth in love, who give biblical advice even when it’s hard, who sharpen iron with iron, who motivate us to godliness rather than give permission for the flesh? (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:3)

God all wise, You give permission for good or evil. Purify my every desire. Please keep me in Your path of wisdom, for the sake of Your kingdom and purposes.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another… Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:14-18

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear... Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29,32

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14

There is nothing quite like walking along, keeping up a pace, and being arrested by a single bloom that the breeze picked off a tree and scattered on the grass. Its deep color is almost other-worldly, so distinct on the green carpet. Its perfect thwirl makes me imagine the Creator’s gentle fingers, touching its underneath with a complementary color then twisting its petals to open like sunrise. If God gives us these good gifts, why would we not in turn deliberately sprinkle blossoms along our daily way?

We have many encounters we may not see as opportunities to give a blessing, to add some loveliness and color, to share in a savory treat of kindness. But the Lord who makes the sun rise can illuminate our hearts and open our eyes to recognize them. Would we ask, then expect Him to awaken our sensitivities and embolden our wills?

When I pass or meet those who seem heavy-laden with life, how can I show love? What sparkle of the eye, name acknowledgement, or common ground might I initiate that becomes a conduit for Christ to pronounce their infinite worth? What expression of kindness, generosity, honor, or gratitude might stop one in her one-way track of heartache, worry, or dizzy, and awaken wonder at the goodness and benevolence of her Maker? How am I dispensing the bouquets of blooms the Lord has entrusted to me, of mercy, patience, compassion, and forgiveness, that would spread furthest His graces and glory?

“Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.”  ~Ira Bishop Wilson (1880-1950)

Lord, You have given me so much. Sharpen my sensitivities, open my heart, then direct and compel me to spread abroad Your blooms to those who need them most.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

“So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army… ‘And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live… Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:1-10,14

Utah’s Goblin Valley is full of stone creatures: wind- and time-carved, gnome-like and goofy, inanimate. Dry bones. But it’s easy to imagine how an artistic mastermind and technical creator could make them come to life, in a movie. God Almighty can do the same for individuals who have, over years, been worn down by the world and left lifeless in zeal for the Lord.

The bones the prophet Ezekiel saw were those of dead Israelites, and God was promising through him that He would supernaturally restore to the nation life and Spirit to live for Him once again. While this may seem a realistic impossibility, it offers a vivid picture of how our God can revive individuals, and whole nations, by the breath of His omnipotent word, for His renown and glory. (Genesis 2:7)

What in us is languishing, dry, or dead? Our spiritual vitality? The will to get up, to read the Bible, to reach out and serve? Are we so dry we cannot praise, so bereft we cannot hope? Is our independence so ingrained we have no faith, our focus so inward we lack self-awareness and industry that benefits others? When we present our dry bones to the Lord, He adds sinew, flesh, and vitality.

Gracious Lord, revive my dry bones that I might know You better and make You known. May others see Your life in me, and desire You for themselves.

“I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
    your hands were freed from the basket.
In distress you called, and I delivered you;
    I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
    I tested you at Meribah. 
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
    O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you;
    you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
I am the Lord your God,
    who brought you up out of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

But my people did not listen to my voice;
    Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
    to follow their own counsels.
 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
    that Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes…
 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
    and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:6-14,16

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Our God is present and powerful, but not an automaton. He communes with us, answering our cries, but He is a gentleman, not prone to bullying us into obedience or forcing Himself into our schedules. With His eye constantly on us, and His heart set upon us in benevolent affection, He tests us to train our devotion. And all too often, we choose to go our on way and forsake the best good He has for us. He offers the finest wheat, and we settle for tasteless fare.

The Lord is intricately involved in our lives for good, and designed us to relate to Him in every occasion. Though He supplies for our daily needs, and displays His glory for us to enjoy with our senses He imagined and made, we often ignore, or stubbornly refuse, His loving pursuit and turn with twisted affection to foreign gods. We have our triggers for calling out in desperate need, but mostly we would rather follow our own counsel than to submit to another’s rules.

God has no pleasure in judgment, or the consequences we bear, but by His holiness He must execute them. He is rightly jealous for us, desiring us to know Him in all His fullness, His mercy and His wrath. He tests us to reveal to us our hearts, that we might recognize our depravity and turn to Him for mercy. He holds out His best for the taking. (Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 17:10; Ezekiel 33:11; Galatians 6:7)

Do I hear His invitation as distinct from the world’s enticements? How readily do I respond? A habit of lifting high His glories, recounting His deliverances, and applying His word guards against the allure of strange gods. The sweetest of honey, and daily manna for strength and insight, are ours to savor in His word. His laws are for our good, His discipline for our holiness. Why do we settle for less than His finest wheat? (Exodus 16:4; Psalm 119:103; Hebrews 12:10)

Lord, You alone satisfy. Seal my heart that is prone to wander, and feed me til I want no more.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

“You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies… So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.  It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:36,42-44

Coquinas. Closed tight, digging, disappearing deep into the soft wet sand. But when the tiny clams are finished with their labors, they break open to sprinkle their many-hued shells as a delight for all who see. Their beautiful varied colors, wings spread open, symbolize the lovely variety and bounty of life and freedom that comes only from giving up labors and being broken open. These butterflies capture and sparkle our imaginations with what it means to die to self and be set free.

When we hold tight to ordering our lives just so, and finagling our way to the front, or top, we remain pent-up by stress, bound by self-effort. We might be able to show off our credentials, our importance, our successes, but we are never free.

But when the Lord Jesus in His grace humbles us, when we are split deep by our sin and set free by His Spirit, we have a new vitality that reflects His magnificent, exquisite beauty. Our lives are broken open for Him, freed of self, unfettered to lavish genuine love, spill over with gratitude and praise, and express joy and peace that confounds the world. Why would we not choose this Spirit-life? (Mark 14:3-6; John 8:36; Romans 8:10-11)

What keeps us stubbornly motoring on in our own strength? God’s strength is perfected in our weakness. Why do we clam up with trepidation at the thought of being vulnerable to others, or the Lord? Most fear is self-focused, ignoring God’s promises. Where do we feel the nudge of the Spirit, or hear the gentle beckon of our loving Lord, saying, ‘Come, my beloved, unto me. Die to self, release your burdens, open up, let go. Now live in me, trust me, and flourish.’ It is faith in our incomparable God that compels us to step out, open our wings, and say, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.“ (Psalm 37:4-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Galatians 2:20)

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy. 

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, 
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.” ~Saint Francis of Assisi

And amen.

“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Fill your horn with oil, and go… to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons…’ And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these… Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.’” 1 Samuel 16:1,10-11

“And David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of [Goliath]. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine… Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you!’” 1 Samuel 17:32,34-37

“He chose David his servant
    and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
    to shepherd Jacob his people,
    Israel his inheritance.
 With upright heart he shepherded them
    and guided them with his skillful hand.” Psalm 78:70-72

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
    who trains my hands for war,
    and my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1

The eighth and youngest son who was ‘just keeping sheep’ was the one God had chosen to be king. Ordained to train to be Israel’s shepherd by keeping his father’s sheep, David kept on in the sheepfolds until the prophet Samuel anointed him for his next role. What he learned of God’s majesty and directed stewardship, under the stars at night; of God’s keeping power and singular love, from tending wandering lambs; of courage against the enemy, from battling ferocious animals- all these were invaluable in coming years as the leader of God’s people. (Psalm 8)

With what are we presently occupied? It may be menial, unglamorous, a necessary duty that brings neither fanfare, notoriety, nor satisfaction, but it can (and should) still be done unto our Lord. Do we allow impatience or frustration to detract from lessons He has for us in the sheepfolds? Are we preoccupied with wanting a different, more ‘important’ assignment? Do we think we know better than God and force ourselves ahead of His timing? (Colossians 3:23)

What is God teaching us in our present circumstance? Steadfastness? Humility? Patient faith? His sovereignty? To listen and observe rather than initiate and conduct? To support rather than lead? How is He using current challenges to hone our coping, diplomacy, mediation, or consensus-building skills? How might God be using certain people to train us to love unselfishly, to pray for those with whom we are at odds? How might a slow season afford us time to learn of Him and train in skills we don’t have the luxury of when life is full throttle?

Good Shepherd, teach me contentment to serve wholeheartedly and faithfulness to learn in the sheepfolds where You have me. Give me zeal and joy to do all You assign, for Your glory.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor..;
    to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified…

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:1-3,10

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

The predawn sky is one-dimensional, monochromatic dark when it rains. No peeking through to ethereal blue. In the constant thrum of water drops, heaven is unseen, a hope issuing only from faith.

And isn’t this our assurance in every storm? With every wet and chilling blow? With heavy heart? When circumstances press down and limit our view of beyond, our certain hope is still alive and cannot be shaken. What God has promised, He guarantees, and has already accomplished in the heavenlies. He who designs and operates the economy of time has hitherto fixed what will surely come to pass.

Jesus is preparing a place for us, an eternal weight of glory to bestow. Our future is set, our sure reward His presence, the promise of seeing Him face to face. We are inextricably bound to a firm anchor for our souls, and indelibly marked with a seal of His pledge. (John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Ephesians 1:13-14; Hebrews 6:19; 1 John 3:2)

So how does this affect our every day in the onslaught of rain? If indeed we are clothed in righteousness, and God Almighty rejoices over us with singing, we can adorn our moments with praise. We can bear great sorrow in our hearts while remembering the song in our souls. We can press on in the sufficiency of the Lord when we have nothing, His strength when we are spent. We can trust His ‘Who’ when we ask ‘why?’, His ‘what’ when we wonder ‘how?’. (Isaiah 61:3,10; Zephaniah 3:17)

Will we believe His benevolence, and proclaim with faith’s conviction, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”? Whether we are afflicted or comforted, His blessedness is the same, and He is still good. Practicing this mindset of praise will transform our outlook and response to every band of rain, every shroud of cloud, every suffocating storm. (Job 1:21)

God’s splendor is traced as an outline to our afflictions; our hope is all the deeper in darkness. When man and events here on earth don’t make sense, our Lord’s high ways and kindness can be trusted. Whatever the next blow, what breath-taking punch, what toppling gust, He is enough. (Romans 8:28; Hebrews 11:1)

Loving Father, one day You will make all things right. May Your lovingkindness be my melody of hope in the rain. (Revelation 21:5)

“King Solomon was king over all Israel, and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend; Ahishar was in charge of the palace... God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and… of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men… He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005… And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.” 1 Kings 4:1-6,29-32,34

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” Proverbs 13:20

“A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

“A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Proverbs 27:6

At the start of his reign, Solomon employed his God-given wisdom by establishing a skilled team around him. If he was to lead and serve his kingdom, he would learn and implement, as he wrote, that ‘one grows wise by walking with the wise.’ Extremely gifted himself, he knew he needed others specifically talented in different areas, and he needed the help, loyalty, encouragement, and consistent camaraderie of a wise friend.

There is nothing quite like friends who will listen, and speak truth in love (and firmness), no matter how hard it is. Those who truly care about your soul, want your best, and will do what it takes to help you become more like Christ. Those with whom you can bare your soul, who will bear your burdens, who guard your treasure. Those who complement your strengths, and implant courage in you to exercise yours. (Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 3:13)

With whom do we surround ourselves? Those who make us look good in the world’s eyes, or those who build up our souls? Those who are quick to affirm our choices and pat us on the back for self-effort, or those who will challenge our decisions, and point us to Jesus? Those who have the latest in-vogue advice, or those who direct us to God’s word, even when it stings as it convicts and corrects? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

How are we developing spiritual wisdom that we can contribute to our friendships? In being a friend, are we careful to keep confidences, to withhold saying or implying anything that would put another in a bad light? Do we take time and attention to read between the lines, to listen for the unspoken sensitivities and implications behind the words we actually hear? How brave are we to address wrong thinking and doing, after taking care of the plank in our own eye? (Matthew 7:3-5)

Lord, may I be a friend who urges others on in their faith, reflects You in Your purity and light, and walks wisely so I can help others grow wise alongside me.

“Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

The surface of the water was hatched and wrinkled, like tossed fabric. Above loomed the sky, but underneath was… calm. The creatures down under went about their morning like any other, unaware of the wind’s erratic temper, unfazed by turbulence because it didn’t affect their movement, their play, their eating.

Above and all around us whips and chops a vicious battle, invisible and therefore ofttimes unrecognized. We hear about spiritual warfare, and may sense its disarming intensity, but misunderstand its ongoing reality. We are entrenched in the physical world, and so ignore what we cannot see. Like fish, we swarm, we hunt, we move and giggle with those just like us in our insulated calm, and we can be blissfully unaware of the very real conflict that rages. The father of lies, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, is out to divide God’s church, unsettle our souls, and disrupt our peace, all while deceiving us about his motives. (Matthew 10:28; John 10:10)

But the Lord Jesus, who is greater and stronger than this murderer in the world, knows all, never lets us out of His sight, and with His angels is the vigilant and ultimate Victor in battle against the devil and his demons. He provides us with insight and armor; we need not fear. We can trust our Shield and Defender in every aspect of the war. (Psalm 28:7; John 8:44; 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:31-34; Revelation 12:7-9)

Would we step away from our huddled ‘school’ and habitual activities to watch and pray for spiritual sensitivity and discernment? While we may not see the angelic sword fight, are we tuned in to the slashing at our senses of malice, bitterness, and bigotry, the whispers of temptation to gossip, complain, and worry? Can we perceive the forces behind the world’s tumult? Will we look to Jesus’s light to expose what is true, pay attention to what is really going on in the heavenlies, and fit ourselves with God’s armor and wisdom to be able to withstand it? (Mark 14:38; Ephesians 6:10-18)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?.. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35,37-39

Lord of lords, You reign over all in heaven and earth. Though spiritual war rages- staining culture, breaking relationships, shaking our souls- You are victorious. Keep me steadfast in faith, secure in Your strength, stalwart in battle, and shining Your grace. (Revelation 19:11-16,19-21)

“Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David. And Solomon sent word to Hiram, ‘You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him… But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord…’ Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.’

^“As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, ‘Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.’ And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, ‘I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber…’ At the king’s command they quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones. So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the men of Gebal did the cutting and prepared the timber and the stone to build the house.” 1 Kings 5:1-8,17-18

There is nothing like working together, to build something bigger than ourselves, to unite people. Ruling separate kingdoms, leaders in their own right, Solomon and Hiram continued the warm relationship the king of Tyre had enjoyed with Solomon’s father, David. The new king graciously received Hiram’s congratulatory entourage, and Hiram enthusiastically agreed that their servants would collaborate to build a house for the name of the Lord. (2 Samuel 5:11)

When our greatest interest is defending our turf, or promoting our own swagger and importance, we build barriers, put off others, and destroy opportunities to work with them for a greater good. So much of our thinking and information-gathering focuses on ourselves- what we deserve, how we present. If instead we spent that time and effort searching out the needs of others, and how we might contribute to God’s kingdom in our churches and communities, we might reorder our living for something bigger than ourselves. Setting aside our stubbornness, contributing to what will outlast us, and investing to bring glory to God by making an eternal difference in people’s lives, honors Him and begets great joy.

We were all strangers and without hope before we knew Christ. Jesus came to remove dividing walls and hostility, not only between us and Him, but among His people. His blood bought our peace, so we could grow and build together on a common foundation to construct a beautiful, holy temple, His Body, that exalts His name. What difference would it make to the world’s impression of the church if we set aside negotiable differences and worked together, in love, mutual respect, and common purpose? (John 13:35; Ephesians 2:12-22)

Lord, may I decrease and You increase. Help me do my part of dwelling and building together in unity with others. May I consistently extend the grace and love You have lavished on me to them, for the exaltation of Your name. (Psalm 133:1; John 3:30)