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April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96

We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built.

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DAILY READINGS

1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96

DAILY NOTES

1 Kings 8

  • Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple.
  • The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion.
  • Solomon blesses the people.
1 Kings 9
  • The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow.
1 Kings 10
  • The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts.
  • Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24).

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple demonstrates a trust in God's provision.  Notice how Solomon outlines particular scenarios that we're all sure will happen (when the people sin, a famine comes, etc).  When they happen, if the people repent, Solomon's prayer is that God will hear their prayer and then act accordingly.

There's no holding Solomon back from telling God what he wants God to do.  That's a great way to pray.

Let's realize also that this prayer was probably just as much for the people to receive and know as what they could expect from the Lord as it was for God to hear.  That's always the way of prayer, right?  It's for us, but it's for God, too.

What do you think?  Is your praying more about what you're saying to God or what God is saying to you?

Stay blessed...john
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