The Foundation of the House of the Lord
2 Chronicles 8:16
A short man wanted to drive a nail in a wall to carry a large picture. He stood on a chair, but it was not high enough. His wife put a small box on the chair. The man, balancing himself precariously, tapped hesitantly on the nail with his hammer.
His wife asked, “Why don’t you give it a brave blow or two and really pound it?”
He replied, “How can a man give a brave blow or two when he is standing on a foundation as shaky as this?”
Ah, confidence belongs to the person that is sure of his foundation! Woe to the person and, even worse, woeful IS the person that lacks a solid foundation…one in which he can put his trust in moving forward with his life. There is nothing worse than continually looking over one’s shoulder and asking, “Am I right? Am I sure? Was there a better way? Am I off course? Will I be satisfied when I arrive at my destination?”
Solomon knew a lot about the importance of a foundation because he built the temple in Jerusalem. It was a magnificent building and became one of the wonders of that century. Today’s scripture makes it clear the foundation was of critical importance. It was the beginning act, and it is obvious that great care was given to its construction.
Amazingly, that which would not be seen again in the future was where it all began. That’s how life, including ministry, is supposed to be, too. People only see what is visible such as actions and results. However, what foundational principles led to those actions and results? Did the foundation produce the desired results? Did the foundation need to be rebuilt because the original principles failed or needed to be adjusted?
We must always remember that what we believe eventually becomes who we are and, therefore, what we do. Belief transforms…it really does.
For example, when an adult receives Christ as his Savior, he undergoes a “new creation” transformation that results in the laying of a new foundation named Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). That change, often described as repentance, establishes Christ Himself AND His values as the adult’s foundation for life. Some changes occur immediately whereas other changes occur over a period of time. But we become different because we think different based upon the new foundational values for our life.
It may surprise you to know that Solomon, the builder, was also Solomon, the author. Solomon published his own book about foundational principles for everyday living. It’s called “Proverbs.”
Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He has pastored for nearly forty years in both bi-vocational and full-time roles. He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”
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