dedication – Be Still…

Nehemiah 12:27-43 – Joy of Jerusalem

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43

Who doesn’t like a good party? The opening scenes to this reading are filled with the anticipation of what is to come. The day has arrived when the completed wall will be recognized and celebrated. When parties have a purpose, they are even more enjoyable. When that purpose is to celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, imagine the great expectation!

The celebration appears to circle the city wall with songs of thanksgiving being sung and instruments being played. That sounds a lot like worship to me. How fitting the people would use the worship element to further honor God in this moment. What God had done among them already, and promised to do forever, was so generous. If only they could stay true to God alone. People continue to struggle with keeping God first in their lives today.

1 Kings 8:54-66 – What a Dedication!

Read 1 Kings 8:54-66

The words "The Will of God" with an open door sharing the picture

I can’t get over the sheer number of animals sacrificed during this dedication ceremony. 142,000 cattle, sheep, and goats. I don’t think I can even fathom how much space they would take up, much less the time it would take. It makes sense the dedication took multiple days, even before the traditional Festival of Shelters was celebrated.

Getting caught up in the details can keep us from seeing the underlying message. Such numbers would suggest to me extreme devotion and a repentant heart. The magnitude of the temple’s importance in the lives of God’s people is also apparent. The grandeur of the temple would call for such a display. It sounds like everyone in attendance was blessed. I hope God was, too!

1 Kings 8:1-13 – In the Presence of the Ark

Read 1 Kings 8:1-13

In Chapter 8, we hit a high point of what has been building, not just the temple itself but the anticipation of having a temple. Solomon was anticipating how the temple would be used to honor God while being an honorable place for God to reside with the people. Of course, the Ark would need to be transported!

As we read this chapter, keep in mind how it sets up a great reminder for us in how we understand the whole book! You might want to return often to remember the “roots” Solomon established, or attempted to establish. The intentions for the temple were honorable, respectful, and showed King Solomon wanted to not only please God but also shine on the legacy left by his father, King David.