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God fulfills all his promises
Those who believe in the true and living God - Jehovah, I AM - know that our heavenly father - the creator of the universe - is constant. Through the prophet, he declared, "For I am the Lord, I change not…" Malachi 3:6a. The writer to the Hebrews echoed this fact in this great letter. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8. The assurance of promises in the word of God has brought great comfort and hope to believers throughout history. As we follow the promises that were made to King David (2 Samuel 7:10-16), it becomes obvious that these declarations have come to pass. Solomon, the son of David, did become king. 1 Chronicles 29:23. Using the amassed material, and other preparations made by David, the temple was completed. 2 Chronicles 5:1. The ministry of the priests was re-instituted, and began to be practiced. 2 Chronicles 5:2-13a, b, c. On this occasion - when these men attempted to begin their ministry in the newly-dedicated temple - we are told that "the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God". 2 Chronicles 5:13d, 14. As Solomon observed the cloud of the presence of God, he reminded the people of the words from the past - "The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness." 2 Chronicles 6:1; Psalm 18:11. This fact did not paint a dismal picture for the hearers, but gave them assurance that the father was near to them under all kinds of circumstances. The king reminded the congregation that "The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken…" 2 Chronicles 6:10a. He wanted these people to understand that the center-piece of all worship was the law that had been given at Mount Sinai. He declared that "in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel". 2 Chronicles 6:11. It was important for these people to know that their king could - and would - commune with their God. We are told that Solomon "stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven…" 2 Chronicles 6:12, 13. The position and posture of the king showed the people that he reverenced God, and that he was bowing to the divine authority that had brought his household to their present position. He had not obtained the throne through any personal abilities nor by military might. His position was assigned by God. Thus, he wanted these people to know that he, personally, understood his position and mission. While he remained in this kneeling position, he addressed God in a conversational manner - which is all that prayer really is, conversing with our heavenly father. "…And said, O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts…" 2 Chronicles 6:14. As the king continued his conversation with God, he spoke of the promise that had been given to his father. "…Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day." 2 Chronicles 6:15. It is important for us to reflect on the promises that have been given. As we take stock of the blessings that we know, and recognize the many ways that God has touched our personal lives, a sense of praise will arise in our hearts. These songs of praise will reach the heart of God, as he listens to our outpouring of adoration. The next phase of the prayer of Solomon addressed his personal need for divine guidance in all areas of his life. "Now therefore, O Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou Just as the promises made by our heavenly father were — and are being — fulfilled, so are the words of his only begotten son (John 3:16) equally certain. During the time of his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ of Nazareth made references to his own death, burial and resurrection. These words seemed to skim over the heads of most of the hearers — even the apostles. See Luke 24:44. He did not scold them for their humanness, but used this occasion as a time for further instruction. “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures…” Luke 24:45. The resurrected Lord made certain that these men knew the specific scriptures that showed the promise that was now part of their personal witnessing. “And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46, 47; Psalm 22; Daniel 9:24. He reminded this group, “And ye are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:48. A promise was given. “And, behold, I send the promise of the father upon you: but tarry ye in Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. This promise was fulfilled. Acts 2:1-4. We, too, can rest assured of the fulfillment of the promises of God.
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