COMMUNITY BLOG

Reflections: 1 Chronicles 27-29 & 2 Chronicles 1-3

Blog Reflections: 1 Chronicles 27-29 & 2 Chronicles 1-3 Spirit of God Fellowship Church in South Holland, IL

The readings for this week were incredibly interesting. I specifically enjoyed reading about Solomon. We witness King Solomon finally embarking on building the first temple. The location for the temple is rather interesting because it was where God appeared to David, but also where God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. It’s not a coincidence that God would want His dwelling to be there.

 

What I find the most interesting in the reading for this week was that God appeared to Solomon and offered to give him anything Solomon asked for. Wow. What an offer! What would you ask for? I’m not sure I would have asked for wisdom as Solomon did. My gut tells me I would have been extremely selfish in what I would have asked for. But Solomon, according to God, had his heart in the right place. Solomon desired to help the people he was king over versus rule over them in selfishness. What a picture of how Christ is towards us! Solomon asked for wisdom in order to be a good king for the people’s sake. And we have a King who does the same for us: King Jesus.

 

Solomon's response to God’s offer really puts into perspective what life is really all about. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in my wants, needs, and selfish desires. It’s easy for me to forget that my life really isn’t about me at all. I sure want it to be, but at the end of the day, selfishness has only ever left me feeling empty and discontent. And as I read about Solomon, I’m reminded of Jesus. Even though He was God in the flesh, He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. That convicts me to have the right mindset as I live my life. My existence and purpose in this world should mirror Solomon’s desire: to help and serve. And why? Not because it’s easy, not because it’s always fun, but because of what Jesus said: it's better to give than to receive. And when you give, you actually do receive something you could never buy: joy and peace. Solomon chose wisdom for the sake of others and he received more than he could ever imagine. That's true for us today. If we choose to live for the sake of others, we will receive more than we could ever imagine. Don't believe me? Give it a try!