March 23, 2023 - 1 Kings 6-9

Solomon built the temple (ch. 6) and so much in addition. Politically and religiously, he was able to focus the people on the city of Jerusalem: Zion, the royal city, the city of God. And what a prayer at the dedication of the temple! (ch. 8)

So the Lord appeared to Solomon and said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built . . . And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you . . .” (9:3,4). If only! Such a great story here! So great wisdom and dedication to the Lord! Riches and power given to Solomon! “Solomon, just walk with the Lord. It’s a simple as that!” we want to say. But then, we look at our own lives and struggles. And we begin to understand that, for all of us, rich and poor, wise and not so wise, powerful and not so powerful, we are so dependent upon God's grace. How often, with Paul, do we do that which we should not and fail to do that which we should. Still, God walks with us, he loves us as his children, he is patient with us.

Jesus calls us here to meet him as,

through word and song and prayer,

We affirmed God’s promised presence

where Christ’s people live and care.

Praise the God who keeps each promise;

Praise the Son who calls us friends;

Praise the Spirit who, among us,

to our hopes and fears attends. --Graham Maule (1995)