Properly Perceiving Good Gifts

Scripture: Solomon gave twenty cities in the land of Galilee to King Hiram of Tyre as payment for all the cedar and cypress lumber and gold he had furnished for the construction of the palace and Temple. Hiram came from Tyre to see the cities, but he wasn’t at all pleased with them. “What sort of deal is this, my brother?” he asked. “These cities are a wasteland!” (And they are still known as “The Wasteland” today.) 1 Kings 9:11-13

Observation: Solomon gives Hiram 20 cities in northern Israel - one for every year of construction - but Hiram doesn't like the cities. He believes the are in a worthless wasteland.

The cities are not named, but curious about them I did some research. In 2 Chronicles 8, we learn that Hiram gave the cities back to Solomon, and Solomon in turn built them into good cities, lived in by the Israelites - who at this time were living in peace and prosperity - because Hiram refused the land on behalf of his people. The word for "Wasteland" is Cabul, and to this very day the city of Kabul (modern spelling) still exists in Israel.

What Hiram rejected for his people as a worthless wasteland, Solomon then used to bless his people. The wasteland still exists as a thriving community 3,000 years later.

Application: In this scenario, Hiram's story can be summarized as follows ... he participated in great work serving the Lord, was given an earthly gift as a reward, rejected the gift because he didn't perceive its value, so God used the same exact gift to bless others instead, who received that gift and used it to their long-term benefit.

Have I ever been Hiram? Have I ever done work serving the Lord, but then when I was 'rewarded' for that service I didn't understand the gift, or didn't perceive its value, or even flat-out rejected it?

This is a question and lesson to consider. I have before wondered about reward for service. Mostly, I have thought that, since I don't serve the Lord in order to receive a reward, I shouldn't look for such a direct connection between service and blessing. However, at the end of a particularly difficult time of blessing (working Christmas lights?), I have thought ... 'okay, God, I hope you saw that.'

Moreover, I should evaluate the gifts in my life. Many blessings I can easily identity. However, certainly there are elements of my life that I consider of lesser value - maybe even worthless - but they are actually gifts from God and perhaps I am not properly recognizing their value. Rightly considered, they could provide long-term blessing for me and my family. Wrongly considered, they may be taken away and given to others.

Prayer: Lord, may I have wisdom to perceive the value of gifts you give. I do not serve you for reward, but I also know you are a loving God who gives good gifts. Allow me to look about me with new eyes, and see everything you have done for me and my family with a thankful heart. Amen.