Investing in Relationships

Scripture: Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon: “Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you their king.” 2 Chronicles 2:11

Observation: Solomon has just ordered - ordered! - the king of Tyre to provide him with an unlimited amount of wood, and an artisan to lead the design of all decoration, for the temple. The response could have been "no", or "on these conditions", or "well ... okay, I guess". Instead, the response was "you are great and wise!" He goes on to name the artisan, who is even someone half Jewish, and reiterate both the unlimited supply he will provide and how he will deliver.

This is likely for two reasons. The first is that Solomon did name the price he was paying for all of this, and it's likely that price was very substantial. In other words, Solomon was over-paying out of his abundance for the services of Tyre, which is evidence of how well things are going in Israel. Second is that David and Solomon have both taken care in their relationship with Hiram, so that they can send orders without any problem. In modern-day business, this is called a partnership, and when one entity needs help they don't just ask ... they tell the partner what to do, the partner does it, and they trust the financial side of the exchange will be advantageous.

This, then, is about relationships. David was known as a king of blood, but he also had friends and relationships. Hiram even clearly know about Yahweh as the creator and likely worships the God of Israel, meaning David potentially solidified their relationship through the sharing of faith. It is in this that, when the time comes to build God's temple, the means are well established.

Application: This is a model for the kinds of relationships I need to build in my life. I am so alone in this regard. I have an amazing wife, one great friend, two or three good friends whom I don't talk to often, and ... acquaintances. I need to invest in relationships with people who share faith in Jesus, and allow them to know me - and to get to know them - so we truly care for each others lives, success, and well-being.

I have been terrible at this. Again, this is a major change I need to make in my life.

Prayer: Lord, I believe you have set Godly men before me. Please open my heart and mind to invest into their lives, and to share my life, with these brothers. Amen.