May 23rd~Turn to the Temple

1 Kings 8:1-11


2 Chronicles 5:1-14

1 Kings 8:12-21


2 Chronicles 6:1-11

1 Kings 8:22-53


2 Chronicles 6:12-42

After the Temple was completed, Solomon gathered all of the leaders of Israel together and had the Ark of the Covenant moved into the Holy of Holies. As soon as the Ark reached its new residence, the Lord filled the Temple with a cloud, symbolizing both His presence and His pleasure. Did you notice that Solomon described the cloud as “thick darkness” (2 Chronicles 6:1). Contrast this Old Testament visual to the way John de- scribes the coming of Jesus in the New Testament, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:4).

After Solomon blessed the people, he prayed a prayer of dedication. His long dedication could be summarized in two sentences, “May you watch over this Temple both day and night... and may You hear the humble and earnest prayers from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place” (1 Kings 8:29, 30).

In his dedication, Solomon described several scenarios in which the people could find themselves in the future — committing wrong against others, needing forgiveness for sin, battling against their enemies, suffering droughts and famines or defeat and exile; then, he directed the people to pray towards the Temple.

While facing towards the Temple might sound to us to be an unnecessary requirement for God to hear the prayers of His people, Solomon, by pointing people to the Temple, was pointing people to God. We know today that God is both omnipresent and that He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit, which means that we can pray wherever and whenever we wish and the Lord will hear us. We do not have to face a city, a temple, a church, or a cross. Wherever we are, God is there; He hears our prayers at all times.

Daily Reflection

Even though we know that we do not have to face a temple when we pray, I like what Solomon did in His dedication. In every scenario that he described, He reminded the people that the answer to their problems was the Lord.

Is God your first resort when you are facing difficulties in your life, or are there other things or people to whom you turn? Explain.

The Lord desires to sustain you. He wants to be your strength, your hope, and your help in time of need. He should be your first resort. However, much of the time, His help is given through His people, and His people are found in the Temple, the Church. In the Church, you should find those who will comfort you, encourage you, pray for you, speak truth to you, and point you in the right direction.

Are you making yourself available to God’s people in a local church? If not, why not? If so, describe how God has used His people to help you in times of need.

Are you providing comfort, encouragement, direction, and prayer for others in your church?

BiAY.org | Day 143 — 222 Days to Go