Read 2 Chronicles 2.
Solomon took up
the passion of his father, David, to build the
He had the
plans. He had the vision. He had resources. But he lacked some needed materials,
especially the high quality cedar wood found just to the north. Those belonged to his neighbor, the king of
Not only was the task great, but the building was to be great. Why? Because "our God is greater than all gods." Solomon wanted the architecture to reflect the greatness of God.
Then, he asked
two questions:
1. Who is able?
How can any building do justice to the greatness of God? Who is able to design and construct such a place? God cannot be contained in a man-made building. In truth, the most beautiful worship facility in the world is only a box for human gathering space. No structure can house the God of heaven. Our best efforts are inadequate.
What makes such a gathering space a center of worship is what takes place within it and, more importantly, within the hearts of the people who participate. As David wrote in Psalm 22:3, "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." It is a picture of the LORD enjoying the worship of His people and filling that space with His presence.
2. Who am I?
How humbling it is when the creation compares itself to the Creator! We have nothing to offer except what God has given to us. What we bring in worship to Him is a heart of love, a life of obedience, and a song of praise. And those are not limited to a building.
"Through
him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the
fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."
Hebrews 13:15
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