The View from Here
Opening Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that what You promise with Your mouth, You fulfill with Your hand.
Read 2 CHRONICLES 6:1-11
[1] Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; [2] I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” [3] While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them. [4] Then he said: “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. For he said, [5] ‘Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built so that my Name might be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be ruler over my people Israel. [6] But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.’ [7] “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. [8] But the LORD said to my father David, ‘You did well to have it in your heart to build a temple for my Name. [9] Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, your own flesh and blood-he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’ [10] “The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. [11] There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What promises are you holding on to?This is one of the very highest points of Israel’s history. As Solomon turns from the Temple to bless his people, he is full of hope and faith. He stands before concrete evidence that God keeps his promises–a magnificent Temple. As God said it would be, so it was (6:4,10).Yet we know from our vantage place that the Temple would be destroyed and the people carried into exile. We know it would be rebuilt, but destroyed again. We know that Solomon would fall from grace, that king after king after him would do “evil in the sight of the Lord.” The biblical narrative is the story of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and of his dealings with a fallen humanity who time and again blow it in spectacular fashion. It is painful to watch. Except that another thing we know and Solomon didn’t was that there was a Savior coming, a son of Adam who would usher in an everlasting kingdom. With Solomon, we can say with confidence and gratitude that yes, indeed, “The Lord has kept the promise he made” (6:10).
Apply
Do you see God’s kingdom being established in your life and in those you are investing in? Ask God to help you.
Closing prayer
Father, Your redemptive grace and the perfect sacrifice of Your Son are the thread of hope that holds my life.
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