Joel M Bradshaw

51When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the Lord was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver and gold and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the Lord’s temple.–1 Kings 7

Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LordGod. With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities. Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple… (1 Chronicles 29:1-3)

1. Solomon utilized the generosity of his father.
2. It would be tempting for Solomon to make this building of the Temple all about himself.
3. This was because he was allowed by God to build and David was not.
4. Though his father was dead, Solomon still used his father’s works and gifts.
5. Current generations always have something to learn from older ones. I write this as one who was once younger and thought I had life and ministry all figured out. Now I am older and am more of a mentor to people younger than me.
6. I like how Solomon still let David’s efforts play a central role. David’s items got brought into the area full of the things God would treasure.
7. In my earliest days of ministry, I was molded by a pastoral mentor. In my current years, I am a mentor for those want help regarding living their faith. I still have a weekly cup of coffee with my good friend in his 80s. He and I have been building into each other for about 16 years. Treasure how God has used the older generations and their efforts.–JMB