In 2 Chronicles, Verse 1.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
The interesting part of this is that he was already committed to building the house of God. God told David that his son was going to build the house of God, not David because he had shed too much blood. In 1 Chronicles, we read over and over again that Solomon is to complete the house of the Lord in David's stead. We hear all of that from first God, but ultimately from David. Can you imagine the pressure? It is like being told you are taking over your father's business. And who knows Solomon's heart while all of this is going on? We don't, that's for sure, but can you imagine? "No, Dad, I want to be an artist, not an architect." Or, "I'm inheriting and entire kingdom, you expect me to do what now?" I can picture this because I know what my heart was feeling. That is, of course, not the reaction of the honorable Solomon. He deals with his calling in a way I would love, and hope, to glean from.
"And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom."
It is not until this opening of 2 Chronicles that we hear Solomon's heart on the subject. He is telling God, "Challenge accepted." We might have prophesy after prophesy laid on our lives, but it will mean nothing until we purpose to complete it. It is not until he claims his destiny that he, Solomon, begins to ask God for the materials and insight he will need to build a great enough house for the Lord. Now, how can we accept a task that seems greater than our strength and ability? Don't believe that you can do it alone, for starters. Not for a moment did Solomon begin collecting rocks and pebbles on his own and straining his back muscles, telling able-bodied men along the way, "No, no, I've got this. God said for me to build the house." Stubborn and prideful as I might be, Solomon was surely not. It is up to us, however, to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, and to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?" He starts there. He asks to be a great leader, knowing full well that the tak on hand will be challenging, he asks for help. Stop myself there! I am a twenty-four year old woman with no big plans on my life except for the promise that one day I will become a preacher, and for now I am committing myself to a man and we are getting married in a little over a week. Do I dare ask for help? Is it an easy thing to do? Absolutely not! It scares the daylight out of me! Ask for help, for what? I hardly know where to begin. Instead of being bogged down by the idea that I need to say the right things, I want to express my heart to the Lord and surely He will know what needs to happen next. As we will find, if we continue looking to Solomon's life for advice. Do you ever wonder, "Who am I to the Lord and does He really love me?" The answer is "Yes!" He does, but it is up to us to show God our hearts, to be obedient to our calling, to ask God for help as Solomon does in verse 10 of 2 Chronicles. When we do this, when we take the time to show God our imperfections, the weaknesses we are trying to hide, He will rush in like a tidal wave to comfort all of our pain. It is in 2 Chronicles 1:11 that we see how much God loves and values Solomon for his individual sake, rather than as a pawn in the scheme of completing the project begun by his father.
"11And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
Wow. It makes me feel like the kid who asked for heaps and heaps of presents on Christmas, only to realize that there are children around the world who simply ask for a measly bite to eat and would be completely satisfied. I realize how blessed I am.
"But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him" (2 Chronicles 2:6)?
See, Solomon recognized his weakness. He asks of the Lord because he is unsure of himself. In the same chapter, Solomon proceeds to ask God to send him what he needs. He asks for a builder of gold. He asks for the timber to come to him. He literally asks for everything he needs in order to build the house of the Lord. How much more would you ask for if you knew your work was going to be pleasing and honorable for the heavenly father?
"18And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work."
Now, throughout Chapter 2 many strangers come and offer their help to Solomon. All that he prays for is answered. I love the last verse of this chapter, verse 18. Never fool yourself into thinking that any job oyu have will be accomplished on your own. It took 3,600 overseers. Can you imagine? That is some kind of delegation that I surely need to become more comfortable in.
Lord, please allow me to relinquish the reigns as I prepare for our wedding date. Lord, please allow me to let helpers in and to see a vision clearly from you, so that the task at hand is made that much easier. Lord, please send me those I need to make it a beautiful and fun-filled day. Please send the finances to us to order all of the food we need, and the flowers and the decorations. Please give me a dance floor of wood and lighting across the floor to brighten the yard from overhead. Please send someone with knowledge to run that process. God, thank you for giving me strength and for allowing me to express every single need to you with the faith that you are generous to complete it and faithful to answer our prayers. Amen.
I realize this is not the house of God I'm building. However, it is a representation of how blessed my life has been since I've been able to let my fiance in and express our lives through the love of God. he has blessed us so much already with our family and friends, it is incredible! We needed tables. Got them for free from our church. We needed help preparing the tables. My mom suggested an idea and we ran with it, now each table will be decorated by other individuals and they will prepare the decorations and the place settings. We only ever got the idea to accept so much help from our Pastor who has seen a number of weddings and knew what she was talking about! It's all coming together so nicely and I am extremely grateful and honored. I can't wait to see the final product next Saturday! Or to see my groom waiting at the other end of the aisle! :)
Amen God, and thank you, for all that you do and for all that you are.
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