Early County News

Solomon seeks God’s blessing

Sunday School Lesson


 

 

1 Kings 8:22-23, 52, 53

Simply stated, prayer is “talking with God.” This activity should be a “two-way street.” Often, individuals seem to picture God, Jehovah, as some kind of “Cosmic Santa Claus.” Using this picture, they just give Him their “wish list,” and expect all of their instructions to be followed. This philosophy never satisfies the one who has this attitude.

When the temple in the city of Jerusalem was completed, King Solomon wanted his people to understand the importance of this building. The “cloud [of the presence of God] filled the house of the Lord.” 1 Kings 8:10. The king led his people in a time of prayer, lifting up the name and nature of God. 1 Kings 8:15-21.

As the God-ordained leader, the king prayed for his people. He was not ashamed for them to see him in “prayer posture,” talking with God on behalf of the nation. The record tells us, “And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven.” 1 Kings 8:22.

In our day, it has become “taboo” for national leaders to show any kind of open acceptance of dependence upon Jehovah, the covenant name of God, or of Jesus Christ, His Son. The introduction of man-made religious systems has been accepted as “proper,” while dependence upon our creator has been pushed into the background.

When the divine law was given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20ff), these commands could not be successfully kept by our fallen, sinful race. The sacrifices were ordained as a “cover” for the broken Law. Solomon recognized this fact, and desired his people to acknowledge their need for divine help.

The king began his prayer with a declaration of the nature of Jehovah, “And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or in earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk (the way of life) before thee with all their heart (fountain of life).” 1 Kings 8:23. The nations around them served many idols. Israel was the only “monotheistic,” serving only one God, nation on the earth.

The king did not present his “wish-list” to God. He was able to keep his focus on the task that had been assigned to his family. “Therefore now, Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou promisest him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel.” 1 Kings 8:25a. He asked for the fulfilment of this promise, “And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.” 1 Kings 8:26.

Solomon turned his thoughts to the nature of the God of his people. “But will God indeed dwell on earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” 1 Kings 8:27.

The best offering that mortal man can give to Jehovah is not sufficient to express the nature of our creator. Solomon recognized this fact, as he continued to address God before the congregation. “Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplications, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee this day: That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.” 1 Kings 8:28, 29.

The desire of the king was for the temple to be the center of the “spiritual life” of all people. Solomon knew the nature of humans, and the way that each one will wander from the revealed spiritual path. He desired for the temple to continue to be the focal point, no matter where the individual might be. He prayed, “And hearken (hear) thou to the supplication of (1) thy servant, and of (2) thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.” 1 Kings 8:20.

As the king continued his prayer, he listed different difficulties that the nation would meet. Some problems come from personal origin and others come from outside sources. No matter the situation, divine help would be needed. Solomon prayed, “And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee. For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee.” 1 Kings 8:50-52.

These people heard the words of their king, as he addressed Jehovah. They were reminded of their personal position, as it regarded their heritage. “For thou (God) did separate them from among all people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.” 1 Kings 8:52.

It is important for all of us to be reminded of “where He has brought us from.” The life of sin that had been our “way of life” can be changed by accepting the divine provision of personal deliverance from the penalty of sin. John 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10. Simply saying “words” will not change your life. However, if words are spoken in/by faith, they can change one’s life forever.

The Israelites could have remained in Egypt for ever, still being the Chosen Nation, but never benefitting from the divine promise. We too, can remain in sin, and not know that inner peace. John 14:27. May each of us make the eternal choice to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Rev. James C. Temples’ Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. A native of Early County, Rev. Temples taught in public schools 32 years and 10 years at Southeastern College of Assemblies of God, in Lakeland, Fla. He also served as pastor and evangelist during those years. He can be contacted at P. O. Box 1484, Swainsboro, GA 30401; 478-299-2068. Email: temples_james@yahoo.com

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