12 But when Hiram went from Tyre to see the towns that Solomon had given him, he was not pleased with them.
Whenever I see the word 'but' in the bible I pause and read it because it often is a trigger for an important message is something one of my former pastors taught me. This is why this verse caught my attention. It doesn't go on to say much more on this topic so I'm not sure if this is the start of problems between Hiram and Solomon or not. But I find it interesting that Hiram was initially looked like he was generous to Solomon in providing cedar and labor to help our Solomon. It looked very friendly and generous but maybe it came with strings in his mind, expecting more in reciprocation.
How often do I do something for others that I may on the outside make it appear I am doing out of the goodness of my heart but in reality I'd like to see a little something back in return or a nice big thank you or acknowledgement? hmmm. I know I am at risk for having those kinds of feelings at times. One strategy Gina and I have tried when giving money is to keep it anonymous--service is harder to keep anonymous. We do this for our own good because we want to make sure we are giving our of the right place in our heart and not for the receiver to see and or others to see so that we receive payment back through recognition.
funny direction this took me, had know idea where I was going when I started typing. I bet there aren't many sermons out of 1 Kings 9 on this topic! ha!
knut
I bet you're right, but that's one of the reason why I love our blog. You never know where God is going to take you.....and even more, you never know where God is going to take me! Sometimes, its off in crazy land. But like everything else he does, its EXACTLY what we need to hear.
ReplyDelete“I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
I think this is one of the verses that convicts the Jewish community to try to hold onto the temple location in Jerusalem. But, the verse directly after this talks about how God will abandon the site if the people don't act in accordance with his direction. So, you can take that one whichever way you want to, I guess.
tp