1 Kings 8 / Acts 7:51-8:13 / Psalm 129 / Proverbs 17:1
I love a good celebration, as I’m sure you do! I mean who doesn’t love a good party with good food and presents! I love presents… I make lists, I dream, I look things up online and then I usually come back to reality and trim my list to the things I really need and will make good use of. At this point in life, I don’t need much. The house is already furnished and decorated, and I’m not one to spend more money every few years to redecorate.
Speaking of a good celebration, as I read the account of the dedication of the temple Solomon had built in 1 Kings 8, I’m imagined the immense celebration they had. Everything from speeches, prayers, overflowing sacrifices as was the custom of the day, to the glory of God filling the temple so that the priests could not do their job. That is something I’d love to experience!
And can you imagine the beauty of that temple? I would love to have seen that building in person after having read the detailed description. I bet it was beyond comparison with anything we’ve seen today. But beyond the beauty, beyond the celebration which lasted 14 days, I’m struck by Solomon’s prayer. This is a man who knows God.
As I read the prayer, it was obvious that Solomon understood God’s love and mercy in the midst of the shortcomings of the people of Israel. “You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion”.
“May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.”
I’ve talked about this before, but it’s evident from Solomon’s prayer that he understands God’s Fathering nature – His heart to love His people and forgive them. These are confident prayers from a man who knows his God. Solomon is not cowering in fear, approaching God with an expectation of being punished.
Solomon is asking God to continue to show mercy to him and His people. And as we continue to read the Old Testament, we’ll see God’s mercy and love over and over again. Yes, God’s people will worship idols, leave Him behind, ignore Him, forget Him, and do evil and terrible things. But time and time again, they will also be sorry for their sins, remember God and ask for forgiveness.
And every time, God will hear them and show them mercy. Sure, they’ll still suffer from the choices made, but even in the suffering they will experience the kindness and goodness of God.
It’s no different for us today. God is the same. He never leaves us. He’s always waiting for us to look to Him for help, to pray, ask forgiveness – anything that would restore our connection with Him. He’s not the one who breaks connection; we are. He’s never angry when we turn back and apologize for having ignored Him. He’s always ready with a smile, forgiveness and His immeasurable love.
