More Than a Day Off

Read 2 Chronicles 1:1–5:1

1. Solomon decided to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord, and also a royal palace for himself.
2. He enlisted a force of 70,000 laborers, 80,000 men to quarry stone in the hill country, and 3,600 foremen.
3. Solomon also sent this message to King Hiram at Tyre: “Send me cedar logs as you did for my father, David, when he was building his palace.
4. I am about to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord my God. It will be a place set apart to burn fragrant incense before him, to display the special sacrificial bread, and to sacrifice burnt offerings each morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, at new moon celebrations, and at the other appointed festivals of the Lord our God. He has commanded Israel to do these things forever.
5. This must be a magnificent Temple because our God is greater than all other gods.” 2 Chronicles 2:1-5

New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are just a few of the holidays marked on our calendars. Most of our holidays exist for a significant reason. The Fourth of July, for instance, is celebrated as the birthday of our nation.

The Israelites also celebrated holidays of great significance. To aid in their celebration, Solomon wants to establish a central place to observe these holidays. So he begins to carry out his responsibility of building the Temple. But before construction can begin, Solomon has to find craftsmen skilled enough to work on God’s house. As you read, think of possible celebrations you could include in your schedule.

Also in this passage you will find the kind of wish God will grant; decorations suitable for a place of worship; and the importance of following instructions.

A celebration is an occasion of joy, and remembering God’s goodness to his people was certainly a reason to be joyful (2 Chronicles 2:4). God wanted Israel to celebrate certain historical events regularly because the people were so forgetful, so quick to turn to other gods, so quick to find more important actions to do than to worship him. The celebrations were designed to turn their attention and their hearts to the Lord.

Today, our church celebrations recall God’s goodness. Because, like the people of Israel, we also have short memories, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions help us remember what God has done for us. To some people, these holidays are just an excuse to have some fun. They should be much more than that—they should help us remember God’s work in the world and in our lives.

Use Christian holidays and traditional church celebrations to remember God’s goodness to you. And create your own celebrations that commemorate special days in your walk with the Savior.