Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 2:6-7 (New Living Translation)

6 But who can really build him a worthy home? Not even the highest heavens can contain him! So who am I to consider building a Temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to him?

7 “So send me a master craftsman who can work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as with purple, scarlet, and blue cloth. He must be a skilled engraver who can work with the craftsmen of Judah and Jerusalem who were selected by my father, David.

King Solomon is praying. Solomon has been granted wisdom from God. Solomon is, as we often read today, “the smartest person in the room,” regardless of the topic.

King Solomon is about to build the Temple in Jerusalem. This is it; this is the big one. Gotta’ get this right. What does the smartest person in the room ask God, “…send me a master craftsman who can work with…”

Huh? Surely Solomon can direct the workers to do it right. Surely Solomon doesn’t need expert help. Nope. Solomon asks God to send the right person for the right job. That is part of Solomon’s God-given wisdom. Solomon knows his limitations, what is needed, and realizes that he is not what is needed. Someone else is needed. Please God, send someone else.

This is an excellent lesson in knowing my limitations and asking God for someone else to come with me. I am a smart and caring person. There is much I can do because God has given me talents. God has also given talents to other folks. Let’s trust God to send the right person. Let’s ask God to send the right person. Admitting that I need another person is probably the more difficult thing.