He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. (2 Chronicles 4:6)

Not many people have the privilege to build for God. Some yearn for it, but they have lost out of His favour. Yet, some who have the special privilege do not build according to pattern. To this, Marvin Ashton advised: ”Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them."

Solomon, the son of David, had a privilege to build a temple for God, a favour his father never had. However, the temple, in a way, violated some of God's specific commandments. For instance, the bulls, calves and oxen were the usual images, which the Canaanite used to worship their fertility god, Baal. Some Bible scholars, who reviewed the structure, condemned Solomon for the use of the images, pointing out that the Scripture expressly condemned it: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the eaith beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" (Exodus 20:4). Apparently, in the building of the temple, Solomon allowed some exuberance which God seemingly winked at. Thus, the glory that came down at the dedication of the temple.

This is a pointer to many of us, who try to have true fellowship with God. We should be careful of what we bring into the service of the Lord to avoid offering strange fire on His altar. One cannot offer proud "sacrifices" and expect Him to accept it. He seeks those who come to Him in humility, ready to sacrifice their pride and lay before Him humble and contrite hearts. Testament believers, we must worship God without additives and encumbrances. God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth.


The wise builds according to the divine pattern

by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi