Bible Pathway - Apr. 24, 2010
Highlights:
What an inspiring chapter! The Temple is finally finished. The priests carry in the Ark and other sacred items and Solomon prays. The cloud of the glory of the Lord fills the House as trumpet players, and singers with cymbals . . . psalteries and harps . . . were as one (II Chron 5:12-13). WOW! You will love it!
Verses for Today:
The Lord our God . . . incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep . . . His Judgments. . . . That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else (I Kin. 8:57-60).
The day had arrived for the dedication of the glorious Temple in Jerusalem. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel . . . in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. . . . the priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord unto . . . the Most Holy Place (I Kings 8:1,6). The Ark is where the presence of God dwelt above the Mercy Seat. When the priests were come out of the Holy Place . . . the glory of the Lord . . . filled the House of the Lord (8:11). The people stood and worshiped the Lord at the Temple dedication.
Solomon offered a sacrifice . . . unto the Lord, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the House of the Lord (8:63). The word "sacrifice" does not mean "a great loss." A sacrifice to the Lord is something dedicated to the Lord. Solomon prayed the longest recorded prayer in the Bible as he praised God for His faithfulness as the One who keepest covenant and mercy with Thy servants that walk before Thee with all their heart (8:22-23).
The Israelites were chosen to let the world know there is only One True God. That all people of the earth may know Thy Name, to fear Thee, as do Thy people Israel (8:43).
Eventually, Solomon's pride and his love for power, luxury, and physical satisfaction brought the judgment of God upon him. (I Kin. 11:1,3,9,11). What a difference the outcome would have been if Solomon had lived the Truths he expressed in prayer! The Lord knows whether our prayers are mere passing emotion or if they are truly an expression of our innermost obedience to His Word. The emphasis we place on the things of this world — The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16) — reveal the true depth of our sincerity and loyalty to God.
Thought for Today:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt. 6:21).
Christ Revealed:
As the perfect Temple of God before whom all kings of the earth one day must bow (I Kin. 8:54; John 2:19-21). Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9).
Word Studies:
8:2 Ethanim (later called Tishri) =Sept/Oct; 8:37 blasting =blight; 8:47 bethink themselves =learn their lesson and repent.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ) • Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and African languages • The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics • 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to write His precepts in your heart (Col. 3:16).
Optional Reading: Acts 25
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12
