May 14

Dedication of the Temple

 

1 Kings 8

2 Chronicles 5, 6, 7

 

Yesterday, we read about the enormous efforts that went into building the temple. Today's passage is the dedication of the temple to the Lord. Here are some thoughts:

 

- There were a lot of sacrifices made to God that day. As the ark was being brought to the temple, there were so many sheep and cattle sacrificed, they could not be counted. Later, after Solomon addressed the people, about 150,000 cattle, sheep, and goats were sacrificed. To give you an idea of how big that number is, think about this: according to a 2007 census, there are about 118,000 people living in Stamford, CT. There were more animals sacrificed that day to the Lord than there are people living in Stamford! That is a HUGE gift to God! The celebrations and festivals lasted for 22 days.

 

- Solomon mentioned many times God's promises to his father David. And everyone of them He kept. He promised that David's son would build the temple, He promised His enduring love, He promised rest to His people, He promised to never leave them. That's one thing that makes our God different from other "gods" : He keeps ALL His promises.

 

- The temple was a splendorous place, filled with gold, bronze, brass, precious stones, and purple, crimson, blue yarn. Solomon orchestrated a momentous task of building a glorious house for God. He had every reason to be proud of what he accomplished. But Solomon was humble. In his prayer, he acknowledges that not even the heavens can contain our great and mighty God. Even less would be the temple's ability to hold Him. I find it amazing that despite all his earthly accomplishments, Solomon had the right perspective and humbled himself before God.

 

- The temple was a place where all people were welcome, especially sinners. When people sin against God, the correct response then AND now is to come into His presence and confess. Even foreigners were welcome to acknowledge the Lord. He wanted and still wants ALL people to know His name.

 

This was an amazing time in the history of God's people. His chosen people were living in the land that He had promised to Abraham and He was living among them through the temple. Today, it is even MORE amazing that God is living among us and in us through His Holy Spirit, no matter where we are in the world!