The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in which the load-bearing portion is hung below suspension cables. These cables are strands of metal wire twisted together like a rope. Because this cord of strands are together, it is not easily broken and it can support a tremendous amount of weight.

Reading today in 1 Kings 5, David and Hiram king of Tyre had always been on friendly terms and Solomon wanted to continue that friendship so he asked if they could work together in building the temple to God. Solomon wanted to carry out what the Lord told his father David. That his son would build the temple of God.

The proposal of Solomon to Hiram was that Hiram and his men would work with Solomon’s men to cut and transport lumber to Jerusalem. Hiram’s reply indicates that he had a strong relationship with God as he was pleased and complemented Solomon on his wisdom to rule a great nation (v. 7). He praised the Lord for this opportunity.

Unlike David’s treaty with Egypt who worshipped idols, the treaty with Hiram was with a person and nation under the one true God. If we do form alliances, we should seek alliances with those  who put God first.

The lesson for us is that each individual should be a team player using the skills they have to build the temple. From 1 Corinthians 3:16, we know the temple is our body or vessel that holds the Spirit.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?

Because of Christ, the Spirit lives in each believer. When God gives two or more people a common purpose to build up something good for the kingdom, there is a chemistry and consistency that makes each individual better. One is bound to the other which provides endurance, encouragement, and extra strength.

Lord, we are thankful that our faith is three strands tied together. The Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit support us as individuals. We are bound together by Jesus, and we all work together to build each other up to make us all stronger. We each contribute as we work together as one and give it our best. In so doing, what was impossible becomes possible in Jesus’ name, amen!