By Rev Sam Oye
(1st Kings 5:2-5)
“Solomon sent back this message to Hiram: ‘You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the name of the Lord his God until the Lord puts his enemies under his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my name.”’
Solomon’s father, David, had wanted to build the great temple as a permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. A divine edict, however, had forbidden him from doing so. “You will not build a house for my name.” God said to David, “for you are a man of battles and have shed blood” (I Chronicles 28:3).
Unlike his father David, Solomon was not a man of battles. God had blessed Solomon not only with wisdom and wealth but God also gave him rest on every side. This proves that rest is given. God in His wisdom knows that wealth and riches amount to nothing in the absence of rest. God gave to Solomon what He didn’t give to his father. God uses His discretion to decide whom He gives rest.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus slept in the midst of a storm. He was able to do that because He was at peace. Rest is not the absence of a storm; it is a divine gift from God that cannot be substituted by sex, drugs or alcohol. The best decision you can make this month is to give your life to Jesus and let Him take over the affairs of your life as He brings you into your season of rest.
Listen to the full sermon on https://youtu.be/IN8ANjez38M