2 Chron. 1-3
As I was reading through the list of things that Solomon did NOT ask from God, one thing stuck out to me. We all know that Solomon did not ask for riches or fame or even health and longevity. But on God’s list of things Solomon did not request is “the life of those who hate you.” (2 Chron 1:11). That really speaks to me about the true selflessness of Solomon’s request. His concern was only for honoring God and doing right by the people. He was not even considering how being God’s chosen king could benefit him.
Though my life is at a significantly lower level than King of Israel (understatement!), I can still take a page out of Solomon’s book when I think about whatever it might be that God has chosen for me to do. Can I set aside “what’s in it for me” and consider how I can honor God and do right by others in it, even those who hate me?
1 Cor. 16
Nothing much to say here except that I note all of the teamwork mentioned in Paul’s final words of this letter. There are many different people serving the Church in many different ways. And the Church, in turn, is supporting those who serve. A church in one location even helps out believers in another location. All one team; all one body. That’s how it should be in Christ. And yet even Paul couldn’t always get along with those who ministered alongside him (remember John Mark and the fallout with Barnabas over him?). But it is something to strive for. And it is nice to note that, even in the midst of all the questions and problems being addressed in this letter, there is still a network of shared care and service at the foundation of it all.