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June 13th

Our bible reading today is in two mirroring passages...1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5.

“Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated and stored the silver, the gold, and all the vessels in the treasuries of the house of God.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A year later, Solomon invited Israel to gather on the Temple Mount there in Jerusalem. Students of the bible are divided on why Solomon waited a year to open the Temple for worship. Most suspect that even though the building was finished, perhaps the furnishings and utensils were not. Still, other people wonder if it took a year to plan and stage the Opening in grand Solomon fashion. I kind of lean toward the second proposal for two reasons. One negative and the other positive, where I land today.

First “the negative”: Our reading could reveal to some an “over the top” presentation by Solomon. It would take them 7 days to offer the 142,000 animal sacrifices to the Lord. ”Way” beyond what was required by the law of Moses.

Was Solomon trying to impress the crowd? Or was he trying to impress God? Scripture doesn't reveal answers to either of those questions. But, both impressions would certainly not represent the worship that God requires of His people...the “God-centered” kind.

Now the “Positive slant” that I desire to see here: I see the pomp and circumstance of the Temple Dedication Ceremonies from my “joy lenses”.

Yes, Solomon could have gotten by on less. He could have given in line with the law, but he didn't. He gave over and beyond the Law of worship. All the way to an overflowing Grace-filled worship.

I can't help but remember when Solomon ‘s dad, David, was leading a caravan of Levitical priests bringing the ark of the covenant into the city of David from Gibeah. The musicians played, and David danced with so much energy, that his wife was embarrassed. She called it “undignified”. David was “sooo” happy worshipping God on the way. He even said to his wife...” oh...I can be “much more” undignified than this.”

Solomon’s heart was so filled with gratitude to God for the Covenant relationship God gave to him and to Israel that he couldn't help himself. He couldn't keep joy contained.

Solomon’s heart was so filled with the excitement of being chosen, loved, treasured, forgiven, and wanted by God that he couldn't help but throw a party big enough for his fellow Israelis to worship God with him. With all of their hearts also.

O, friends, I believe that Solomon, with all of his faults, had a heart that knew God’s mercy and grace in forgiveness that he had received for his sins, and he just wanted to express his love and thanksgiving in the most abundant way that he could. For God’s glory.

And...“that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; and there is no other.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭8:60‬ ‭ESV‬‬

And you know what? God came to that party. What a guest list....it included “I Am...God the Son...our Savior”!

Let’s throw a party...

Have a great day.