DEVOTIONAL

Today, we pick back up the story in 1 Kings 8. It’s a big day. I have avoided this one for a couple weeks because at first pass I feel the excitement of completion and second, third, fourth pass I feel the weight of what it all means. Israel gives a permanent place for God to dwell. King Solomon asks the Lord to hear and forgive Israel in the generations that will come to the temple. As we dive into 1 Kings 8, I want to point you to the passage more than anything I share with you. Do you only have ten minutes today? Flip over to 1 Kings 8 to be amazed.

This is the first major event under King Solomon. He says on repeat how God is faithful to Israel and charges Israel to remember their God in every fear or doubt. King Solomon testifies to the holiness of God in verses 1-9. He learns from his father David’s mistake in how the ark of the covenant of the Lord is transported in 2 Samuel 6:6. This time Levites carry the ark by the long poles to ensure they do not get too close to touch it which shows reverence for the power and presence of God. No one dies this time. The day is off to a great start.

Now, you may be like me where you find more consistent patterns the more you study the story of God and His people. For me, I love consistency. I need consistency. There is a comfort and security in being able to pick up the phone and call my mom. I know how to access her. She makes herself available. In the Old Testament, a cloud consistently represents the presence of God. A cloud by day and a light by night is how Israel was led by God out of Egypt and through the wilderness. For the temple dedication, do you notice when the cloud fills the temple? After everyone files out in verses 10-11. And the cloud so greatly consumes the temple that the priests cannot minister to the people. The chapter opens with King Solomon making a statement that Israel built this temple in obedience to God, yet I feel God makes an even greater statement in the way He consumes the temple. God reminds Israel in this moment of His faithfulness, of His consistency to make a way for their ancestors and gives victory over their enemies. Yes, Israel spent seven years building a temple for God, but do not lose sight that it is God who has been building from the beginning. And He still is. Before Israel demanded a king like other nations, God led them. God built them up. God planted them in Jerusalem. God provides refuge and rest under King Solomon.

When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.”

1 Kings 8:10-13

To go one step farther, I love when God shows Himself in tangible ways to me in real time. A few weeks ago in Dallas, a thick fog hovered over the skyscrapers on Sunday morning. I thought about verse 12 which says, “The Lord has said that He would dwell in thick darkness.” And a big smile stretched across my face. Driving to church, I thought about Solomon’s temple dedication and Moses walking in step behind the cloud of God’s presence out of Egypt. The thick fog helped me to see clearer to recount God’s faithfulness in my city, in my church, and in my life. He is worthy of all my praise because He continues to be faithful.

The next section in verses 12-21 King Solomon blesses God because He is a promise keeper. God makes covenant with His people Israel. And get this? God fulfills every promise He makes. It’s a big deal. Israel celebrates!

Finally, we arrive at the prayer of dedication in verses 22-53. In full honesty, it felt daunting the first pass through, but stick with me here. Let’s start with the context of the day with King Solomon and Israel gathered in Jerusalem. As king, Solomon could pardon judgement but the words that pour out of Solomon tells me his heart is bowed to God. Yes Solomon is king and holds power on earth, but God is the Holy One of Israel that holds power on earth and in heaven. Therefore, Solomon asks God for two things: to hear the prayers people lift up in the temple and to forgive (v.30). Why does Solomon believe God is able? Solomon knows the character of God defined back in Exodus 34:6 which says Yahweh God is, “merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” He is more than able.

May your eyes be open to your servant’s plea and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you. For you singled them out from all the nations of the world to be your own inheritance, just as you declared through your servant Moses when you, Sovereign Lord, brought our ancestors out of Egypt.

1 Kings 8:52-53

To close out, I want to highlight some of the things that stood out in the dedication. The words are relevant for today too. I can pray the same things for family, friends, community, and myself.

  • V. 48 – God, please hear and forgive when we truly repent in our heart and mind.
  • V. 50 – God, please show compassion on us when we cry out.
  • V. 51 – God, please remember we are Your people.
  • V. 56 – God, we praise You because not one word from You has failed.
  • V. 61 – God, help us to remain absolutely 100% devoted to You.

Imagine what could happen if I held the reverence of God the way King Solomon does in 1 Kings 8. Think about the weight lifted if my prayers were honest with confession and repentance. Can you see why God fills the temple? It is His invitation for Israel to draw near. Why does Jesus put on flesh? He does not want us to be separated from the love of God. Why is the Holy Spirit sent to dwell in us as believers? He is the sealed promise of our future hope. King Solomon wants Israel to never forget this holy moment of God’s presence permanently with them. God is not going anywhere if they remain wholly devoted to God. As a believer today, do not forget the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of you is an invitation to draw near to God too.

Q: Are you in a season where you feel God does not hear your prayers? What is one thing you are holding back from God? I encourage you to pray with honesty, confess your doubt, and ask God to help you trust that He hears you.  

Additional reading: 2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 146-150