In one of country singer Garth Brook’s most popular songs, he sings of his “Friends in Low Places.” King Solomon could sing of friends in high places, including the palaces of other nations. When he ascended to the throne of Israel, he became the ruler of a prosperous nation at peace. The time had come for him to both reach out to his country’s allies, and begin the work that his father had longed to accomplish: the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Hiram, king of Tyre who had been a friend and ally of Solomon’s father David, joined in the work. The project took years to complete, and the labor of thousands. Solomon’s Temple as it was known became the center of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people.
Solomon completed the task that he had set out to do only with the assistance of friends and allies. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in partnership with others. This is why the local church and the “fellowship of believers” is crucial for us, even today. The Lord may not call us to lead a major building project, or international diplomacy, but the relationship between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre reminds us of our God-given need for others.
Shortly after creating the first man, Adam, the Lord saw this and declared “It is not good for man to be alone.” The Lord then created Eve, a wife for Adam. The rest, as the old saying goes, is history.
Pause for a moment to consider your own life. You likely have friends who have stood by you through difficult times, and have also been there with you for some of the best days of your life. Give thanks to the Lord for them, and then pick up the phone to call them today to let them know how much they mean to you.
“Love one another.”
Mark Woolfington
Extended Scripture: 1 Kings 5–7
