Two Pillars
This morning, I conducted two chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. I then was able to get the lawn mowed before Christian and Bridget and kids arrived. It became a little cloudy this afternoon, but we still made a quick trip to the neighborhood pool. Tomorrow my mother and niece and her boyfriend will come to Fort Collins.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “In front of the temple he made two pillars, each 27 feet high. The capital on top of each was 7½ feet high…Then he set up the pillars in front of the sanctuary, one on the right and one on the left. He named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz.” 2 Chronicles 3:15,17 HCSB
As Solomon establishes high reign in the place of David, he moves to fulfill his role as the builder of the temple. We see the instructions for the furnishings of the Temple provided by Moses. However, not every details of the architecture of Temple was dictated by the Lord. As a result, we see the various temples over time having a different design or look.
Solomon’s Temple was one of grandeur. Supporting the temple were two ornate pillars one to the north, one to the south, which stood over thirty feet high; that’s almost four stories. Not only were these pillars functional and impressive in size and design they were named. One was call “Jachin” and the other “Boaz.”
The meaning of theses names is understood as, “He will establish” and “strength is in Him.” Some have put these two together to summarize the meaning as, “He will establish in strength.” However, I believe there is some value in seeing these as twin concepts separately, just as each of the twin pillars was important and served a functional purpose and were a reminder of an important aspect of God’s work and character.
God from the beginning was one who “established.” We see His handiwork in creation and we see Him establishing a people through calling Abraham and we see Him eventually establishing His church and we anticipate His establishing of a kingdom that will never end.
We also see the work of the Lord referenced in personal and individuals ways. For example, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.“ (Proverbs 16:9 NIV) “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) We read, “He removes kings and establishes kings.” (Daniel 2:21)
In our world today, we can see those gifts leaders who are referred to as “serial entrepreneurs.” This individuals have the ability to start many successful businesses from scratch. We could say the Lord is a “serial establisher.” He has a proven record of creating and establishing that which lasts and fulfills its purpose.
As we observe the Lord initiate and establish, it is equally important to understand that all “strength is in Him.” It is in His strength and through His strength that we partner with the Lord in seeing His work established throughout the earth. It is in His strength and we are able to live life with confidence.
Paul asserted, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.“ (Philippians 4:13 NLT) The Old Testament parallel is found in Psalm 18:2 (NIV) “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”
When God’s people trusted in the strength of the Lord they were successful and victorious. When they trusted in their own strength and resources and the strategies of the day, they were defeated and frustrated. That is an important lesson of us to learn today. David declared, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7 NIV) When we trust in Him, we will find His help.
Prayer for today… “Lord thank you that you establish and give strength. Just as Your people were reminded of that as they came to the Temple, allow me to remember everyday, my need to trust in You. Lord I pray with the psalmist, “establish the work of [my] hands for [me]– yes, establish the work of [my] hands.” (Psalm 90:17 NIV) I trust you to work in me and through me for your glory.”