A Holy Renovation

Scripture

¹³ The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver for the temple of the LORD; ¹⁴ it was paid to the workmen, who used it to repair the temple.¹⁵ They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty. (2 Kings 12:13-15)

Observation

King Joash made it a priority to repair and restore the temple – the place that God had chosen to reside and to interact with humanity. All the money that was brought in to the temple as gifts were to be used in the repairs. I find it interesting that we see some of the priorities of the priests at this time of renovation when money was tight. The priests decided to go without some of the things they had been buying before. After all, what good are “silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles” when the temple is in a state of disrepair? I also appreciate reading that the priests didn’t follow the workers around to check and double check what was being done and the cost of everything because they didn’t have to – those entrusted with the money “acted with complete honesty.”

Application

Fix the leaky roof before you buy pretty furnishings and things that are nice to have. In this Bible story, I see important priorities illustrated. But the question is: in my life, what are the structural imperfections that could jeopardize everything? This must be my focus – to allow the Holy Spirit to work on me in such a way that these are renovated!

Prayer

God, I want you to work on the areas of my life that could jeopardize everything. I know that I am not aware of all of them, so ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’ Amen.