When Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre for help with the temple, he said:
“And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?” (2 Chron 2:5-6)
The wisest man on earth
These words show Solomon's wisdom. He understands who God is, and so he knows who he is. He is the wisest man on earth, yet he knows he is still nothing before God.
In this same message, Solomon arranges for a skilled craftsman and a large supply of timber from Lebanon (2 Chron 2:7–8). The temple he is about to build will be “great and wonderful”, overlaid with gold (2 Chron 2:9, 3). Anyone who has managed a complex project at school, at work or at home knows these are not easy feats.
Yet Solomon does not boast in his abilities to get all this done for God. He sees the greatness of God clearly, and beside it nothing he does can compare.
His father David had asked the same question. When David gathered the gold, silver and timber for this very temple, he prayed, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” (1 Chron 29:14)
Father and son both look past the building to the God it is for: The Almighty One, who far surpasses us and enables us to serve Him.
Our hands, His Hands
The skills we have picked up at school or work come from God too. He gave us the health and opportunities to learn them, and He brought the right people into our lives to mentor us in ways He can use for His kingdom. Some things we can learn easily, because He has created us this way: writing, handling complex numbers, fixing electrical wiring…
As we look at the work of our hands, see ourselves for who we really are: mere flesh and bone, prone to sin, but carried and shaped by the hands of God.
When we see how great God is, worship is the only fitting response. Like Solomon, we too have the privilege of offering it.
Who am I, that I can praise the Lord?
Who am I, that I can share His teachings of eternal life?
Who am I, that I can cook on the Sabbath so that His people can fellowship with joy and full stomachs?
Who am I, that I can wash the cups used in His Holy Communion?
Who am I, that He gives me beautiful children to raise and to share His love with each day?
Reflection questions
Write your own line: “Who am I, that I can ______?” Then pray it to God this week, or think on it the next time you serve in that way.
Think of one skill you use to serve Him. Who taught you, and what opportunities made it possible? Thank God for those people and moments by name.
Is there a part of your service that has started to feel routine, or where you’ve begun taking the credit? The next time you do it, remember who it is for.
