Daily Devotional for Tuesday, March 4

The Temple—the Skilled Workers

“And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house,” 1 Kings 5:18.

My husband and I were privileged to serve in the youth camp ministry for nearly twenty years. If you know anything about the ministry of youth camps, you know that they normally consist of endless building projects and constant repairs. Throughout our time at the camp, we were privileged to work alongside some of the most dedicated workers I have ever met. 

            We were privileged to host many mission building teams throughout the years. The day everyone arrived was always a joy. The leader of the project had everything organized, and everyone was assigned to his field of expertise. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians and cooks began their work. It was amazing to see a group of individuals from across the nation come together and work in such harmony. The amount of work that can be accomplished by a group of skilled laborers and willing volunteers in a short time is truly inspiring. 

            King Solomon needed to raise an army of skilled laborers to accomplish the enormous task of building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. He enlisted the help of his father David’s friend, King Hiram of Tyre, and together they recruited the best of the best craftsmen. Over 153,000 laborers were assembled from the descendants of the Canaanites (2 Chronicles 2:17). Just as God had given Bezaleel and Aholiab wisdom and knowledge to build and furnish the Tabernacle, God supplied the skilled laborers needed when it was time to build the Temple (Exodus 31:1-6). Men who loved God and desired to build a house for Him came together, used their talents and accomplished great work. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Our Father, God of our salvation, deserves nothing less than our very best. Thank Him for the talents He has gifted you and always use them for His honor and glory.

Karen Meigs