Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” – 2 Chronicles 6:1-2

Today’s Scripture Reading (August 9, 2016): 2 Chronicles 6

Mark Twain said that “Actions speak louder than words but not nearly as often.” As per usual, the author summed up adequately our reality. We like to talk, but seldom like to do. It is my frustration with a lot of political movements. Of late, the news has been dominated by movements like “Black Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter.” The reality is that I agree with both of these movements, but too often the talking heads seem to want to talk about why the other slogan is wrong. Even “All Lives Matter” has taken and given abuse. But the truth is that the talk is lost in the action. I am white. I was born this way (I know, that might surprise you.) Unlike my American friends, I do not live in as radically a racially divided country as they do. But the reality, at least for me, is that the talk is cheap. When any life – any life – is made to be less than the beautiful gift that it is, all life is degraded. When a black man is shot in his car, the lives of police officers all over the world are devalued. And when the police officer is killed on the streets of Dallas, the black people all over the world are devalued. And when their lives are devalued, so is mine.

Even though I question whether it was ever God’s intention for Solomon to build a Temple, there is no question that God validated Solomon’s efforts. He accepted the Temple that was built to honor his name. Solomon comments that “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud.” I don’t know that God ever spoke precisely those words. But the “dark cloud” was the visible action of God, an action done in front of his people. It was what he did. So when the cloud descended on the Temple, God accepted the work that came from the hands of Solomon and his people. He gave them value, and they returned that value to God.

From the description of the Temple, it was a magnificent edifice. But Solomon was also wrong, it was not forever. The “Forever” Temple would be built in the hearts of humankind. He would be the one to teach us in our Temple to love beyond our differences, to strengthen those who are weak, and to value life – all life. In that Temple, there could be no doubt that both Black and Blue Lives Matter, because if they don’t, then we are all left simply black and blue.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 7