1 Kings 5 - 9

No Sound

Today's reading explains, in exquisite detail, the building of the Temple. First envisioned by King David who was not permitted to build it, the temple is built by King Solomon as promised by God to David. The description in the Bible is detailed down to the size of the foundation, the types of materials, the artisans and skilled labor used to build it, the source of the materials, and the time it took - 7 years. It had to be magnificent and beautiful!

In chapter 6, verse 7 we read, "The stones used in the construction of the Temple were finished at the quarry, so there was no sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool at the building site." To me this is a beautiful type of how the Holy Spirit works in the Christian's life today.  We are molded in shape by God's spirit. Sometimes this is a loud process (crying, prayer, etc.) and has to be done by skilled laborers - pastors, evangelists, etc. It is done in a public way. But once we are molded to His image, then we are ready to be placed into His body for service. This is done in quiet, in private, in the heart of the believer. 

Think about this process. Stone is quarried - representative of election and grace.  The quarry master determines which stone is cut and prepared for use in the Temple. Then the quarried stone has to be shaped by the master cutter so that it fits in the Temple where it is need to serve its purpose.  Some stones are large and massive, to be used in the foundation.  Some have delicate work and are small and decorative. Some are walls to be hidden by cedar wood.  Some are support stones for the altar.  All of these must be shaped and prepared for use. This is a loud and demanding process requiring skill on the part of the mason.  The stone does not complain or tell the mason where it is to be used.  It is shaped, cut, polished and transported to the building area for placement.

So is it with the believer. The Lord chooses us by election and grace. Then He works in us removing all the unwanted and unneeded portions. Some of us are part of the foundation, some are part of the edifice, but all of us have a role in the body of Christ.  

Once the stone is ready to be placed, there is no sound.  Once a believer is ready for service, the Lord quietly positions us and puts us into the body to do His will.  Lord help us to submit to your will.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.