To the casual reader, the credit for the first Temple would solely be given to Solomon. The scripture details the work of Solomon; his orders and his conscription of men. Hence, it was referred to as “Solomon’s” Temple. Even in modern times, the recognition of Israel’s most glamorous edifice sits squarely on his name.
However, Solomon was in succession of his father David. It was in the heart of David to build a place for the Lord. The last line of I Chronicles 28:2 is a telltale of efforts made long before Solomon entered the scene. David said, “I had it in my heart to build a house… and I made plans to build it.
The chapter will offer more details: Vs 11: David gave Solomon the pattern of the porch and chambers. He drew up the inner chamber and the Holy of Holies which featured “the place of the mercy seat.”
David described the functions of the priests and Levites. He considered the offering of gold and silver for instruments and interior articles. David gave both plans and materials into the hands of Solomon. So though Solomon built it, David saw it and prepared for it.
There are numerous lessons found in this narrative. Perhaps far more will be extrapolated than this small communique can hold. Yet, the glaring truth is that Solomon lived out what was in David’s heart. What was spoken became reality.
Solomon received the credit for the heart of his father. He embellished the dream from the voice he heard so often. Those words and provisions of gold and silver with detailed plans left an indelible mark on the mind of Solomon.
The point is that the next generation will most likely fulfill the heart of the previous generation. If we dream and prepare, they will perform what is loved and spoken most frequently.
If it is education, degrees will be pursued. If it’s business, they will follow suit.
I submit that a love for the Kingdom will result in Bible studies, Bible quizzing, prayer meetings, and missions work. I believe there is a younger generation present which are hungry to fulfill the work of the Kingdom. They will see the wonder of God and the revival.
Yes, there are times when children grow up to denounce the Truth. Some will turn from the doctrine and embrace worldly philosophies. There is no foolproof measure to keep everyone in the Way called Holiness. However, if our conversation is about the church and reaching the lost, the great majority will follow the pattern and fulfill the vision.
They will love what you love. They will invest their lives in what is shown to them on a daily basis at home. The home is the most important place of learning. Passionate souls are created in their most familiar room.
I have watched “Pentecostal” parents live a half-hearted life. Their children showcased the apathy found at home. Adults might be able to mask their indifferent spirits, but the children will make no such effort. Back-seat spectators will become nonexistent.
The real truth is found in the heart of each father and mother. Words are cheap. Actions are priceless. Declarations are minimal, perhaps shallow. Deeds and the doing of the declaration is where realness lives.
I measure many things by the altar. I see spiritual health determined by our proximity to the altar. Prayer, worship, and sacrifice are all signs of a spiritually healthy soul. Anyone can say they are devoted, but commitment is where the truth lives. All of us are handing down patterns. Something is being built.
1 Chr 28:11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch,
The question is this: What are you passing down?
What do you love? Where do you spend your time? What conversations are taking place in your home? Where are you on prayer nights and Bible Study times?
David simply said, “I had it in my heart and I prepared. Here son, build my heart.”