Bible Pathways 05/22/04
5-22-2004
Read II Chronicles 4 - 6
In Today's Reading:
The Temple's furnishings; the Ark brought into the Temple; the cloud of the Lord fills the Temple; Solomon's prayer of dedication
The Israelites gathered around Solomon as he stood before the altar of the LORD . . . and spread forth his hands: For Solomon had made a brazen scaffold . . . and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven (II Chronicles 6:12-13) It was not uncommon for the people of God to lift their hands in prayer and praise (Psalm 63:3-4). Hands lifted toward heaven are a sign of wholehearted submission and worship. Surely it should be natural to lift up our hands or to kneel in humility before the Living God.
Solomon began his prayer, saying: O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like You in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keeps covenant (agreement), and shows mercy to Your servants, that walk before You with all their hearts. . . . that all the people of the earth may know Your Name, and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and may know that this House (Temple) which I have built is called by Your Name (II Chronicles 6:14,33).
Solomon also prayed: When the heaven is shut up . . . because they have sinned against You. . . . when You have taught them the good way, wherein they should walk. . . . That they may fear (reverence) You, to walk in Your ways, so long as they live in the land which You gave to our fathers (6:26-31).
Somewhere, at this moment, on a hospital bed or in a prison cell, facing unemployment or the cruel experiences of family problems, there are people repenting of their sins, reading God's Word for direction, being restored to Him, and coming forth stronger in their faith. It is wonderful to know how much the Lord loves us: For whom the Lord loves He chastens (Hebrews 12:6). When we are judged, we are chastened of the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world (I Corinthians 11:32). The best years of our lives can be the outcome of failure, heartbreak, or loneliness when it leads us to make a true commitment to Christ as Lord of our lives. We can become the persons that God meant us to be. Suffering could be caused by God, Satan, or our own foolish decisions; but it can, and will, be used of God. I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
Christ Revealed:
Christ revealed through Solomon's prayer when he said: There is no God like You . . . which . . . shows mercy to Your servants, that walk before You with all their hearts (II Chronicles 6:14). Jesus is that God: There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5). I and My Father are One (John 10:30).
Word Studies:
4:2: sea = large basin; 4:22 censers = incense burners; 6:10 room = position; 6:24 be put to the worse = are defeated; 6:28 dearth = famine; blasting = blight; sore = plague; 6:40 attent = attentive.
Pray For:
The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · Government Officials: Rep. Richard Baker (LA), Rep. Kenny Hulshof (MO), Rep. Brian Kerns (IN), and Rep. Edward Pease (IN) · Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Khmer and French · Confused and unsettled at this time · 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant
Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord that you have no need to fear. Trust Him one day at a time (Matthew 6:33-34)
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 9
Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:11
