When my children were little, I answered more questions than at any other time in my life. My Mother-in-Law always said Richard could ask questions about questions, and she was right.
Many times, in giving an answer, I would halfway pay attention to what they were saying, and I would agree to an excursion or activity that sounded like a way to learn more about the answer to their question.
It did not matter what they asked me: when I replied with a half-listening “Yes,” they expected whatever I promised. Most often, I would completely forget about these promises.
But God never forgets His promises (2 Chronicles 6:10-16). The writer of Chronicles reminded the Judeans that even though they did not hold up their end of the covenant relationship with God, The Holy One of Israel never forgot or abandoned His spoken words.
Then we see in 2 Chronicles 7:1-14 the details of God’s continuation of the Davidic covenant by Solomon, David’s son, completing the building of the Temple of the Lord. As I read these verses, I imagine the people listening to this dedication service. I can almost smell the twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred twenty -two thousand sheep and goats. They heard the blowing trumpets, the crashing timbrels, and the Levite choir singing forth in jubilation. They witnessed the Shekinah Glory of the Lord sending fire from Heaven and His glory filling the Temple.
What was their response? Did they start asking questions? No! The Bible says they bowed down with their face in the dirt and began shouting a song of praise,
“He is good: His love endures forever.”
(2 Chronicles 7:3b NIV)
I appreciate the details of this record of Israel’s history. They needed to remember their origin story as they started a new chapter in the land. They humbled themselves in total worship and awe of God, and He again promised them blessings if only they would obey His commands.
Solomon sought the Lord’s favor for His people, praying that God would give them spiritual rest, be near them, and remain with them. Yes, the king was praying on behalf of God’s people, but in doing so, he was reminding them of their need for Jehovah in all things,
“as each day requires,” (1 Kings 8:59c)
This reminder is for us, too; we have daily need of God to provide for our spiritual needs, all of which were fulfilled in Christ Jesus. God gives spiritual rest to those who believe in His son. We are now blessed with the constant presence of His Spirit and a promise that He will never forget us or abandon us. (Hebrew13:5)
God answered what Solomon prayed for at the dedication of the Temple when He sent Jesus to the cross. The altar Solomon stood before, pleading with God to forgive the sins of His people, pointed to the cross where Jesus sacrificed Himself for our sins.
We tend to forget so easily.
We get busy doing “stuff.”
We neglect our time alone with our Savior.
We mess up –just like the children of Israel.
God promised Solomon in verse 14 that if His people would turn back to Him, He would hear their prayer, forgive their sins, and bless their land. He will do the same for us!
This is the story I need to return to over and over again – especially when I mess
up. This is the gospel of grace, right here in the pages of Chronicles.
Let me ask you some questions.
- Is there something in your life distancing you from God?
- Do you feel like you are in a season of separation?
- Is your worship of God as passionate as it once was?
If we humble ourselves, turn from our sin, seek His face, and ask for forgiveness, we once again find our home in God’s story – because He keeps His promises.
My Prayer:
Dear Jesus, Bring Your fire among us so that we will worship passionately and honestly before the Lord, our God. Help us boldly tell others about Your greatness, goodness, and glory. Help our worship to reflect who we are in You. We are given the privilege to serve the King of all Creation. Help us remember where You brought us from and the knowledge that we are REDEEMED by Your sacrifice on the cross. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Rebekah Marsh
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#rebekahmarshblogs
