Cracks in the Temple

What are cracks useful for? Nothing!

Cracks are dangerous things. They are open areas that should remain closed. They allow rain water to seep in. They accumulate dust, filter in cold air or even bugs. They can also cause, if untreated, the destruction of the entire edifice.

Josiah was a king without parallel. One of the reasons for his reign being so successful is because of his excellent relationship with God. Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him (II Kings 23:25). That is quite a legacy to leave behind.

One day while Josiah was worshipping in the temple he noticed some cracks in the temple and demanded they be repaired. Josiah was so concerned he got men together to repair the temple. Not just any men, he got the best.

The king entrusted his honoured workers with a great task yet he also provided them with all the materials necessary for its completion. In fact, he trusted them so much that he asked that the materials they used not be taken into account. Only no accounting shall be made with them for the money delivered into their hands, for they deal faithfully (II Kings 22:7). He trusted them completely.

We too have been entrusted with a tremendous task. We are God's temples, our bodies are now His home (I Cor. 3:16). But there are some huge differences between us. Where Josiah chose only the best God did something quite different. God chose the worst. Because of that He ended up with you and me "the foolish of this world" (I Cor. 2:27). He gave us, the lowly and vile of the world, a tremendous task and yet He has also habilitated us with all we need (pertaining to life and godliness) to get the job done.

So although we were chosen and made capable He will take account of us. Perhaps Josiah trusted his men and considered them faithful, well that's not the same case with God. He will take account of us. He will hold us accountable for what we do (as well as what we don't do).

Yet to all of this there is a surefire formula for success - a tender and humbled heart (II Kings 22:19).