No Accidents

2 Chronicles 3:1

Then Solomon began to build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. It was on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the place provided by David.

Shifu:      The panda? Master, that panda is not the Dragon Warrior. He wasn't even meant to be here. It was an accident.

Oogway:     There are no accidents.

Shifu:          [Sighs] Yes, I know. You said that already... twice.

Oogway:     Well, that was no accident either.

Shifu:           ... Thrice.

That’s from our favorite, Kung Fu Panda movie. And when I say favorite, it means it’s been looped for the nth time and is included in the playlist of the kids daily marathon. Actually, we can already, alternately, take roles and do throw lines.  Credits to the writers for the funny, witty, quotable quotes. Just a phrase, like when I wrote down today’s title, and it readily signaled a recall. Well, I’m sure this was no accident either.

Just reading the opening verse and in a flash, my search engines brought me to the time of Abraham. Mount Moriah. The land the great patriarch journeyed to sacrifice his only son Isaac, in obedience to God’s instruction. The account where ‘Jehovah Jireh: the Lord will Provide’ was first mentioned. The verse also provided the clue for its second mention: the exact threshing floor David bought from Araunah to offer sacrifices. Also as commanded by God. Googling online to further my study, I found scholars connects this land to where Melchizedek came from. He was the king and priest with whom Abraham gave a tenth of his everything. Jacob’s dream was also believed to have happened here. What’s more, rabbinical sources marked it as the exact center of the world where the presence of God usually appeared.  Quite a lot of significant stories there for just one site.  Coincidence?  Think again. Chapter seven confirmed Him saying:  ‘I have chosen this place for Myself as a temple for sacrifice’.  It was perfectly-thought. Truly, there are no accidents.

So does this mean our eyes should be fixed on what’s happening now in the Muslim’s ‘Dome on the Rock’, where Solomon’s temple had its foundations?  Well, you could, and why not? The prophet Ezekiel mentioned a Third Temple and it’s sure worth looking forward to. But my personal take home here is to praise the One who designed, and assigned, events in history so that the fragments complement the beautiful, purposeful, and meaningful whole.  It’s me taking the discipline of watching Him move and be awesomized by His no-nonsense, no-accident orchestration. With the Architect of this World as Author of my life, and yours, isn’t it just so exciting to hear Him say: ‘For I know the plans I have for you’? Every stone, every turn, for a purpose. And always a perfect fit. Remarkable!

Demand for Difference

2 Chronicles 2:5

The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.

I grew up loving kids. At twelve, I was already teaching Sunday Schools and VBS, plus kids choirs on the side. I felt I was some kind of popular actually. They knew me as the funny, all-out, laughs-loud ate. Now I wonder where was that side of me. With my own kids, I am the strict parent, the bossy type. I often get angry, I want them stiff, and I’m always tired. I still serve in kids ministry by the way. There I’m expected to love kids. I do so sincerely. But guess what happens when my own toddlers pull my shirt for attention? I shift to being their mom again and apply stern. I’m sure you’re calling me mean right now. I do too. I hate the discrepancy. In fact, they deserve more from me. They are MY kids.  

 Today’s chapter gives us Solomon and his business dealings with King Hiram of Tyre. He was the same supplier David contacted to make the royal city of Jerusalem a great sight. The recommendation was proof there was costumer’s satisfaction.  A reference that good relationship also took place. Solomon used that springboard in his business proposal. But unlike the formalities of companies now, that is, making sure it is business-like, a.k.a professional, Solomon boldly itemized Israel’s faith practice and the greatness of the God he serves. He even scribbled a humble acknowledgement of his nothingness compared to his God. Something you wouldn’t expect from top bosses. They do want to appear and be taken as high figures. Here, although Solomon debased himself, it wasn’t at the expense of work quality. He still required the best of materials and the most skillful for his craftsman. Knowing King Hiram had temple projects prior this, he had to point out this one should stand out. The God of Israel is peerless. He deserves the variance.

In our Couple’s Lifegroup last night, we were asked if God is most important in our lives. The planet would sure join in and say yes. But how come He oftentimes plays second lead, our last resort? The air that we breathe but never given a thought. Compare that to how we slave drive our bodies to work or how we spend for those that we love. Why the discrepancy? Shouldn’t the One who holds our very lives deserve utmost regard? Shouldn’t the service we do for Him be far better than the excellence we uphold in the workplace? If we can talk endless with our friends, prompt and prepared for our meetings, gracious and beautifully dressed in gatherings, why so different on Sundays? Unless the difference spells b-e-t-t-e-r. I was thinking earlier if discrepancy  could be my word for it. But when I checked, all it does was to equate a system.  NO. God doesn’t want to be treated the same way we love those dearest to us. His holiness demands disparity. A cut far above the rest. A throne reserved for God alone. Praying we’ll all spot, and mark that difference.