1 Kings 8:16

"'From the day I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have never chosen a city among any of the tribes of Israel as the place where a Temple should be built to honor my name. But I have chosen David to be king over my people Israel.'"

 

This is God's grace: Though he never wanted his people to have any king, he was willing to work through their king anyway. His original goal—that God would be the God of Israel and that they would be his people—did not change. He still wanted them to acknowledge his rule, but he worked with what the people wanted and made it glorious. Having kings over Israel may have been "second best," but look what God did with it! If you feel you've disobeyed and chosen "second best," know that God's grace and power can still make something great of it!

1 Kings 7:48–51

"Solomon also made all the furnishings of the Temple of the LORD: the gold altar; the gold table for the Bread of the Presence; the lampstands of solid gold, five on the south and five on the north, in front of the Most Holy Place; the flower decorations, lamps, and tongs—all of gold; … the doors for the entrances to the Most Holy Place and the main room of the Temple, with their fronts overlaid with gold.

So King Solomon finished all his work on the Temple of the LORD. Then he brought all the gifts his father, David, had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the various articles—and he stored them in the treasuries of the LORD's Temple."

 

 

The greatest kings of the Old Testament were wealthy. They invested their wealth in the things of God—in this case, the Temple. Many people want to create wealth, but for what? Is it to amass the things of this world, or to further God's Kingdom? Solomon, the richest and wisest king, made sure that God got the best he had to offer. He also made sure that his father's gifts were devoted to God. Regardless of how large or small your earthly wealth is, what are you devoting it to?

Proverbs 27:23–27

"Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,
for riches don't last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
your sheep will provide wool for clothing,
and your goats will provide the price of a field.
And you will have enough goats' milk for yourself,
your family, and your servant girls."

 

Who or what is your "flock," the source of your wealth? Is it your skills, the people you know, or your knowledge? Whatever it is, tend it well. Keep adding to it. Realize that external events such as economics and politics will change, but you will be protected from the vagaries of outside changes if you have a solid source of provision. Note also that your attention to your source of wealth affects your family and others who depend on you. Know the state of your flocks, and tend them well—with heart!