1 Kings 5 -- God Uses Unbelievers

My commentary brought up an unexpected topic this morning.

"Solomon conscripted 30,000 to labor on the temple ... These men were Jewish citizens and were not treated like slaves ... Even though the conscription involved a very small portion of the male citizens, the Jewish people resented Solomon taking 30,000 of their men to work in Lebanon four months of the year.  This critical attitude helped to strengthen the people's revolt against Rehoboam and to precipitate the division of the nation after Solomon's death," my commentary noted.

It also made a very important point:  "Hiram's workers in Lebanon were not worshipers of the Lord, and the aliens in the land of Israel were not Jewish proselytes, yet God used both of these groups of outsiders to help build His holy Temple.  'The Lord would have all men be saved,' but even if they aren't believers, He can use them to fulfill His purposes.  He used Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army to chasten Israel, and called Nebuchadnezzar 'My servant' and He used Cyrus king of Persia to set Israel free and help them rebuild their temple.  This should encourage us in our praying and serving, for the Lord can use people we least appreciate to get His will done on earth.  God can even work through unconverted government officials to to open doors for His people or meet the needs they might have.

Father, I watched You do this very thing in my own life with officials in Ukraine during my two adoption trips!  You are an incredible God who is sovereign over all people.  Seeing You work like that builds my faith even more!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford