Solomon’s brother Absalom wanted to become famous with a monument. But God delights in something completely different: people in whom you can see his love. Find out how you can become a living monument that can smile. By Stephan Kobes
Reading time: 6 minutes
Many children know King Solomon. He was famous for his great wisdom and his beautiful palaces. But did you know that he had an older half-brother – Absalom?
Absalom – the handsome, strong prince
Absalom was David’s son, just like Solomon. He was strong, courageous and – according to the Bible – beautiful. There was no man in all of Israel as beautiful as him! Everyone admired him – the handsome prince! But later he became proud and wanted to steal his own father’s crown.
So it came to pass that Absalom fought David. He lost – and his life ended tragically. He had no children to remember him by. So he had a large stone erected so that at least this stone would bear his name.
The Bible says: “He said: ‘I have no son to carry on my name. So he named the stone after himself.” (2 Samuel 18:18)
What is a monument actually?
You may have seen a monument before – a large statue, a stone or a tower in the middle of a city. It tells stories – of kings, explorers or people who have done something important. So that no one forgets who they were or what they did. Some monuments are gleaming bronze, others are made of stone or marble. They stand still, but they “tell a story” when you look at them. It was the same with Absalom.
But what good is a monument if there is no one left to love you?
His monument stood there – cold and silent. It could shine, but it couldn’t love. There was no life, no smile, no heart. Just a stone. Do you know who did it differently?
Exactly. His half-brother Solomon!
Solomon – the king with the wise heart
Solomon, his half-brother, later became king of Israel. He too was young when God asked him: “Please, what shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5)
But Solomon didn’t want a monument, treasures or a crown – he wanted wisdom! He wanted to hear God’s voice in his heart. This pleased God so much that he gave Solomon wisdom – as well as honor and riches.
And that is exactly what made him famous – to this day!
Solomon’s “monument” was not made of stone, but of good decisions, prayers and songs. His name did not remain on a stone – but in the Bible, in God’s Word! This is Solomon’s memorial – stories that are still told today.
God’s living monuments
God does not love cold stones. He loves living hearts. He wants you to be a monument to him – not with a shield, but with your life. Because children are living monuments to their parents. They remind others of them.
I’m sure others have already said to you: “You smile like your mom!” or “You talk like your dad!” Others recognize from you where you come from. Who your family is. Just as children reflect their parents, God’s children should show what their heavenly Father is like. When you live the way God wants you to, it reminds others of God. Even more: then the invisible God makes himself visible through you.
Examples from the Bible
Many people in the Bible were such living monuments:
- Daniel – faithful and courageous
- Joseph – forgave his brothers
- Moses – led God’s people
- Elisha – helped others with God’s power
- Paul – told people everywhere about Jesus
They tell us the most exciting stories. In their lives, they made their Father in heaven visible – the invisible God.
The important thing is that God does not build monuments made of stone or metal.His monuments are alive!
Every detail counts
Have you ever seen how a sculptor works on a monument? He doesn’t just hit the stone wildly – he pays attention to every little piece, every curve, every line. One tiny blow can change everything.
Every detail counts in a monument. Small marks tell big stories. That’s how God shapes you too – with love and patience. He pays attention to every word you say, every smile you give, every good decision you make. The little things – a grateful smile, a courageous step, an honest answer – are like fine lines in which you can recognize God’s heart.
That’s where others see something of God – in you!
That’s why God works on every detail – with love and patience. He makes your life a masterpiece of his love!
But do you know who the most perfect monument of God is? It is one in which you can see God himself…
The greatest monument
The greatest monument in the world is not a tower, a temple or a statue. It is a man: Jesus Christ. The Bible says:
“All the glory of God shines in him; and everything about him shows us what God is like.” (Hebrews 1:3)
That is why Jesus said:
“He who sees me sees the Father.” (John 14:9)
All these small details in his life – his kindness, his love, his patience – come together to form a picture that shows what the Father is really like.
What about you?
Maybe you’re thinking: “I’m still small.” But God can turn small hearts into great monuments of his love. Ask him today: “Lord, what little piece of you do you want to carve into my life?” Then be amazed at what God will do.
Prayer
“Dear Father in heaven, thank you that I don’t have to be a stone monument. Give me a new heart – a heart that belongs entirely to you. Help me to let others see you in me – through my words, my smile and my love.Make me more like you – like Jesus. Amen.”
Conclusion
Absalom built a monument of stone to remind others of himself. Solomon lived in such a way that others remembered God. You too can give God a heart that honors him – a monument that lives! And every time you show love to others, God writes a piece of his story in your life.
Source: hoffnung-weltweit.info
