After building such a magnificent temple and palace and then dedicating it with such a respectful dedication, I’ve been awaiting God’s response. Whenever I embark on a new project, putting my heart and soul into it, I’m always waiting to see how God is going to bless it. In recent years, that approval from God has been more and more important, almost an obsession, for me.
Is this the kind of response you were expecting? Would you have expected more of an “at-a boy” kind of reaction from God after all that Solomon had arranged? Instead, I felt like God was more giving Solomon a “be careful” type of response.
The words of God’s response do serve as a warning to Solomon and to the kings to follow. In addition, the people are the subject of attention as well. God was demanding, or at least expecting, his people to stay true to him. Based on their prior track record, however, God’s wisdom is surely spot-on in calling out the consequences.
Do you believe this message also speaks to us today? There are people who think that bad things happen to us because of something we have done. For example, in John 9, a blind man’s parents were blamed for their child’s infirmity because of the sins they had committed. But Jesus corrected this!
Here we read that when bad things happen to God’s people, this is what will be said. “Because his people abandoned the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why the Lord has brought all these disasters on them.” What is your take on that?
Personally, I don’t think that God “brings” the disasters in our lives. This warning was to “his people,” Israel. However, what it does say of God’s character is that he will allow disasters to occur.
We are all a bit guilty of worshipping other gods, even today. Our gods may just look different. What do those gods or idols look like for us today? Money. Greed. Busy-ness. Work. Selfishness. What do we love more than God? Where do we “waste” our time, time that could have been in the presence of God or in service to him?
Don’t rush past this. Solomon did all he could to make a magnificent place for God to be honored forever. Yet, while God was pleased with his efforts, he was more focused on obedience from his children, not so much the pretty façade.
What are you doing that effectively covers up your faith? Could you do a better job of being that shining light in the world? Ask God to help you.
Let’s pray…
Lord, forgive me for times that I have not put you first in my life. I pray you will find me worthy and use me. Shine your light through my actions. May I be living in your will and doing your will. Reveal that to me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
