Relatively recently, we read in 1 Chronicles 22 about David’s materials list for his son’s “little” building project – constructing a temple for the Living God! Something caught my eye in this list that set my mind into calculation mode. We read in the first part of verse 14, where David says, “…I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents of gold…”. Hmmm. Seems like a fairly hefty amount of gold. Then I see in the footnote that a talent is equivalent to 75 pounds. So, do the math: 100,000 talents of gold x 75 pounds per talent x 16 ounces per pound x $1,430/ounce = $171,600,000,000. Yup! That’s $171.6 Billion worth of gold at today’s spot price. Obviously, the spot price of gold is at (what we believe is) an all-time high. Yet, let that number settle into your thinking. And this was not the only thing of worth King David set aside for the temple!
Thus, David placed a virtually inestimable value on building a place of honor and worship for our God. This speaks volumes about David’s priorities and about how he set an example as the leader. Next time we pull into the parking lot at VBC, let’s ask ourselves, “How much do I value the privilege of worshiping here, right now with the saints of Village, in God’s house?”
– Jim Hall
Thank you Jim for putting things in perspective. A challenging reminder as to what it means to love God with all our heart, and soul, and strength.
Wow! Thanks for the reality check.