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1 Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Zion, the City of David. 6 The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. 10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said: “LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today. 25 “Now LORD, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me faithfully as you have done.’ 26 And now, God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true. 27 “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. 41 “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— 42 for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, 43 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. (1 Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43 The Message Bible)
I was blessed to have been raised in a church where there was nothing off-limits about the church. I heard about churches where someone would immediately stop little ones from crossing some invisbile line that would have allowed a child, Lord forbid!, to enter the area immediately behind the altar rail. And Heaven forbid that the dirty hands of a little boy or girl should touch the sides of the pulpit or lectern. There were times children were welcome, like a song from a kid's choir, or a baptism. I believe part of my call into ministry was the idea that God was accessible through Jesus and through the Holy Spirit's guidance. I felt and knew of the sacredness of the altar rail;it was there I could kneel and connect with God. It was there that I asked Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Later it would be where I was confirmed and married; and all four of our children were baptized.
Let's travel to the ceremony we read about in this passage. King Solomon is the new king and as king his connection to the faith is central and key. He was not a priest nor prophet, but as king he is in a special relationship with God. God appeared to him in a dream and established him as king and a wise one at that, and his political influence allowed him to call the chiefs of tribes and chiefs of Israeli families, and to bring in the ark of the covenant.
In this passage from 1 Kings, we witness a profound moment of divine encounter. Solomon’s prayer and the subsequent glory filling the temple highlight the significance of God’s presence. As the priests are overwhelmed by the cloud of God's glory, we are reminded that God’s presence is not confined by human structures or ceremonies. God is not limited off-limits by altar rails or laity consumed with trying to keep people away. God is where God wants to be. More importantly, God is where He needs to be. His glory and power transcends and envelops our lives, touching every corner with divine significance.
Solomon’s prayer is not just a personal declaration; it’s a petition for all people, even those who are foreigners, to experience God’s greatness. His prayer reflects a deep understanding of God’s universal scope—God’s love and mercy are not limited to one nation but are available to all who seek Him. This inclusivity of God's grace is a testament to His boundless love.
The imagery of the temple filled with God’s glory serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives. Just as the physical temple was filled with the divine presence, our hearts are meant to be places where God's presence dwells. This presence should transform us, guiding our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. God still desires us to connect with Him at every opportunity we have. What's holding you back?
PRAYER: Awesome God, we come before You with hearts open and eager to experience Your presence. Just as You filled the temple with Your glory, we invite You to fill our lives with Your Spirit. Teach us to be attentive to Your presence and responsive to Your guidance. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your boundless love and grace, reaching out to others with the same inclusivity You show to us. Lord, we pray for those who seek You from afar, that they might find in You a refuge and a source of strength. May our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, so that all who encounter us might see Your light and be drawn to Your name.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Pray for those who are searching for meaning and invite them to experience the love of God through your actions. Let your life be a temple where God’s glory shines brightly, drawing others to Him. Reflect on how you can be a vessel for God's presence in your daily life. Seek opportunities to extend kindness and grace to others, especially those who are different from you.
I love you and I thank God for you,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
