Two-Minute Manna

First Kings 6:38 tells us that Solomon spent seven years building the Temple. Here, we read he spent thirteen years building his own house. As we read through the chapter, we can gain some understanding of the immensity and expense of the house he constructed for himself. But I ask you to note something.

The Temple was a much more difficult project, yet his own house took him nearly twice as long to build. Why? I suggest it was because Solomon here is at the height of his personal piety, walking with the Lord more closely than he ever would. Thus, when it came to the Temple, he had a sense of urgency to complete the project, leaving the construction of his own house much farther toward the bottom of his list of priorities.

Later in Israel’s history, the prophet Haggai will indict the people of Judah for being so concerned about building their own homes that they had neglected building the Temple of the Lord (1:6-8; 2:15-18). At this point, Solomon’s priorities were correct. How about us? Are we like Solomon? As we look at ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to shine the searchlight of His Word within our hearts, can we say, “Yes, Lord, I’m truly seeking Your Kingdom first”? Or are we building our own houses, tending our own needs? If you are doing the latter, you’ll find yourself frustrated - for, as the Lord said through Haggai, your pockets will have holes and your stomach will be empty (1:6). Seek first the Kingdom, gang, and everything else you need will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).