Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Kings 7

Highlight Verse:

“One of Solomon’s buildings was called the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. It was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. There were four rows of cedar pillars, and great cedar beams rested on the pillars.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

America has large homes. The average size now is about 2300 square feet. In 1950 it was 1000 square feet.

In King Solomon’s day I’m sure it was much smaller even though the average family was likely much larger.

But this one palace of his was 11,250 square feet just on the first floor, And there were two more floors!

When they say that Solomon was the richest person in his day, they’re not exaggerating.

Despite his incredible wealth, he put God first. He completed the temple before he started on his own palaces.

His palaces were more luxurious and larger than the temple, but the temple was built with far greater care and reverence and artistry.

He put great effort into ruling wisely and reverently.

I’d like to make the point that a wealthy person can still serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

That statement is true, though a wealthy person has to overcome far more temptations than a poor person. We will see that later in Solomon’s life.

For now, lets just be satisfied with the point that God should always come before material gain.

It is good when we can do great things for God with our wealth, but serving God should always come before gaining wealth.

Has it been easier for you to serve God wholeheartedly during time of prosperity or lack?
What are ways that you would like to use wealth to serve God?