Year 4 Week 19 Day

Transcription

1 Year 4 Week 19 Day May 7 May 13, 2015

2 Week 19 Day May 7 May 13, 2015 I. Invocation and Adoration: Father, forgive us for the times that we have questioned you; forgive us for the times we have doubted you; forgive us for the times we ve shaken our heads and pounded our fists against the earth and cried, Where are you? For Father, we know that you have been here you ve carried us through the valley, and you ve given us strength. In Jesus Name. Amen. (Max Lucado, God s Inspirational Promise Book, 25) Reading of Proverbs 1:20-27 (Optional) We have finished reading the Book of Psalms as a part of our preparation for worship, and now we shall use the Book of Proverbs as an optional reading to transition us from worship to confession: Read this passage a few times each day, not for the sake of Bible study, but to grasp a major thought each day and translate that thought into either adoration or confession. II. Confession Pause now and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your sins and ask for forgiveness. III. Thanksgiving List, one by one, things for which you should give thanks.

3 IV. Scriptural Reflection: This week, we shall continue the study of the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day: Day Kings 6:1-38 This is a lengthy chapter about the temple built by Solomon. It is most helpful to read it with reference to the diagram below. While I shall attempt to list the main measurements in feet (1 cubit roughly = 1.5 feet), I have highlighted several verses for reflection:

4 6:1-10 The Main Structure of the Temple (1) The year that Solomon began building the temple is believed to be 967/6 B.C. a. What might be the significance of highlighting the time of the building of the temple with reference to Exodus? b. What is the most significance symbol of the temple of the Lord to Israel? (2) The specified measurements of the building and its parts are as follows: Length Width Height Temple itself The Portico Side rooms-lower Side rooms-middle Side rooms-upper (3) The side rooms are obviously not considered the Holy Place as such: what might be the significance of making sure they were built without any insertion into the temple walls themselves? (v.6) (4) What is the significance of ensuring the blocks were dressed (i.e. cut and hewn to their exact specification) at the quarry so that no iron tools would be used to maintain the least amount of noise at the temple site? 6:11-13 God s Reminder to Solomon (5) How does this reminder to Solomon serve to emphasize what the most important symbol of the temple is to the Israel? (6) Does the presence of the temple automatically signify God is living among the Israelites? 6:14-18 Only Cedar Used (7) Before describing the Most Holy Place in greater details in vv , it is emphasized that the inside of the temple i.e. both the inner sanctuary (the Most Holy Place) and the main hall (the Holy Place) were all wood (cedar), and no stone was to be seen : what might this emphasis point to? (v.18)

5 6: the Most Holy Place Length Width Height Temple itself (v.2) The Main Hall (v.17) The Inner Sanctuary (8) The emphasis of the decoration of the Most Holy Place is that it was overlaid with pure gold in v.20 (which is understandable); but why does the Bible mention also that the altar of cedar (i.e. the altar of incense) was also overlaid with it? (See the special significance attached to the altar of incense in Exodus 30:6; 40:5 and special rendering of its location by the author of the book of Hebrews in 9:4) (9) The two cherubim were 7.5 L x 15 W x 15 H: what is the significant symbol of these two cherubim? (see Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:20; Isaiah 37:16 & Hebrews 9:5) 6:29-37 Interior Decoration and Doors (10) One repetition of the interior decoration is the carving of cherubim, palm trees and open flowers (6:29, 32 & 35). Read Psalm 92:12 to see how the psalmist was particularly inspired by the palm trees as he worshipped in the temple on Sabbaths. (11) The temple, for all intents and purposes, was not a very large building, but considering the manpower, the materials and the length of time consumed for its construction, what do you think about God s desire and purpose of its construction? (12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life? Day Kings 7:1-51 It is a lengthy chapter except that the bulk of it concerns the materials and items of the temple (vv.15-50). I shall only highlight a thought or two for reflection in each division of the chapter: 7:1-12 The Building of Solomon s Palace (1) In the middle of describing the construction of the temple of God, the Biblical author chooses to insert here a brief description of the palace that Solomon built for himself. Based on the following chart of comparison, what might be the reason(s) for the insertion of a description of Solomon s palace here?

6 (2) The following is Francisco Gutierrez rendering of Solomon s Hall of Justice. Though not painted strictly according to the biblical account, in what ways does it succeed in depicting Solomon s Palace?

7 7:13-50 The Temple s Furnishings (3) Vv Hiram, the bronze artisan from Tyre a. What might be the reason for explaining the origin of Hiram, the artisan from Tyre? (4) Vv The bronze pillars of the porch (see diagram of previous day) The measurement is 27 H, and 18 in circumference and the top capitals are 7.5 H a. See the detailed work that would go into their construction: why should even the bronze pillars be so elaborated decorated? (5) Vv the bronze sea (see diagram of previous day) 15 in circumference and 7.5 H: a. What was the sea (or basin) used for? (See 2 Chronicles 4:6; Exodus 30:18ff) b. What might be the symbolic significance of having 12 bulls supporting this basin preparing the priests for service? (Note that bulls were the costliest animals used in sacrifice) (6) Vv the brazen wheeled stands and their basins 6 L x 6 W x 4.5H

8 a. We have seen from 2 Chronicles 4:6 that while the bronze sea was provided for the priests to wash themselves in preparation to approach the altar to offer sacrifices, what then were the ten basins for? b. Some of the decorations of the stands resemble that of the walls of the temple (cherubim, palm trees and flowers), what might be the symbolic meanings of bulls and lions? (7) Vv Summary of vessels apart from the bronze objects already mentioned, golden objects were added plus the booty consecrated by David to the sanctuary (see 2 Samuel 8:7, 11, 12; 1 Chronicles 18:7, 10, 11) a. What might be the reason(s) for such a detailed record of the making of these objects of the temple? (8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life? Day Kings 8:1-21 Since the temple was completed on the 8 th month of Solomon s 11 th year of reign (1 Kings 6:38), he waited 11 months to dedicate the temple which coincided with several great festivals held on the 7 th month (see Numbers 29): (1) Where was the ark moved from and where was it now re-united with the new dwelling of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 3:1) (2) The ark was separated from the Tabernacle since the time of Eli (1 Samuel 4:17), it was not reunited with the Tabernacle even during the reigns of Saul and David; how did the people now celebrate its return? (v.5) How would you feel if you were one of the priests? (3) Previously the transportation of the ark brought calamities (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:7): do you think the priests had much fear this time? What was the outcome? Why? (4) V.9 states that There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets. If we take this statement as face value (and there is no reason not to), does it matter that the urn of manna (Exodus 16:33), and Aaron s budded staff (Numbers 17:10) were missing from it? Why or why not? (5) How did the Lord affirm His pleasure in dwelling in Solomon s temple? (See also Deuteronomy 4:11; 5:22ff; Exodus 40:34ff) (6) As God affirmed His presence and His delight, and before Solomon uttered his great prayer, he made a public acknowledgement to his people (vv.14-21): a. What did he acknowledge by referring to God s promise to his father, David?

9 b. What did he acknowledge as the two purposes of the building of this temple? (vv.20-21) (7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life? Day Kings 8:22-30 This lengthy prayer can be divided into: Invocation (vv ); Intercession (1 st Request vv ; 2 nd request vv ; 3 rd request vv ; 4 th request 37-40; 5 th request vv ; 6 th request vv ; 7 th request vv ); Basis of Confidence (vv ) and Benediction (vv ). Today, we shall reflect on his Invocation. (1) If our prayers are always focused on asking, without adoration (i.e. in praising God for who He is and what He has done): a. What kind of a prayer life will we develop? b. What kind of a Christian will we become? (2) Solomon s adoration (vv ): a. Who God is: How did he praise and adore God in v.23? b. What God has done: With what did he justify his words of adoration? (vv ) c. How did this opening adoration serve as a foundation to the rest of his supplication? (3) Based on who God is and what He has done, what personal request did he make? (vv ) (4) Of all the things he could have asked, why was it the only and first thing he asked? (5) Solomon continued his adoration in v.27: a. What was the context of this adoration? b. What was the essence of this adoration? (6) Based on this adoration, what did Solomon ask for in vv in a nutshell? (7) What is the relationship between the adoration in v.27 and the petitions of vv ? (8) Based on his petitions in vv , what was the primary function of the temple to Solomon? (See Isaiah 56:7; Matthew 21:13) (9) Should it still be the primary function of a church (and its building) today? Why or why not? (10) What have you learned from this invocation and how may you apply it to your prayerlife? Day Kings 8:31-51 (The Seven Intercessions) (1) 8:31-32 Wronging One s Neighbor (civil justice)

10 a. When one is accused of wronging doing against his neighbor (as referred to in Exodus 22:6-12) and upon denial comes before the temple, what did Solomon ask God to do? b. Would God necessarily condemn or vindicate immediately? Why or why not? c. How important was this prayer to Solomon and the people? (2) 8:33-34 Defeat with some taken captive (as referred to in Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:25) a. Do you think every time they were defeated it was necessarily because of their sin? b. What would their repentance entail? (v.33) c. What did Solomon ask God to do? d. How important was this prayer to Solomon and the people? (3) 8:35-36 Drought (as referred to in Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 11:17; 28:23) a. Do you think drought can still be a consequence of our sin? b. What would repentance entail? c. What did Solomon ask God to do? d. How important is this prayer for us today? (4) 8:37-40 Plague and Natural Disasters (as referred to in Leviticus 26:19, 20, 26; Deuteronomy 28:20-22) a. How many would it take to intercede for the entire nation? b. What did Solomon ask God to do? c. How may you apply this prayer today? (5) 8:41-43 Foreign Worshipper (as referred to in Numbers 15: 14-16) a. Why did Solomon choose to pray for foreign worshippers at this dedication ceremony? b. How does this reflect his agreement with Isaiah 56:7 and Mark 11:17? c. How does this reflect the desire of God in His covenant with Abraham? (Genesis 22:18) (6) 8:44-45 Going to War a. What condition was attached to such a war?(v.44) b. How important was it? c. What did Solomon ask God to do? (7) 8:46-51 In Captivity (as referred to in Leviticus 26:33, 44; Deuteronomy 28: 45ff, 64ff; 30:1-5)

11 a. From the words he said, do you think Solomon did anticipate their exile? (v.46) b. Since they would be in exile in a foreign land, how could they pray in the temple? (v.48) c. What did Solomon ask God to do? d. Can you remember who prayed exactly according to the request of Solomon while Israel was in exile? (See Daniel 9) (8) In all these intercessions: a. Solomon recognized where does God really dwell? (8:34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49) b. What then is the significance of the temple? (8:29) (9) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life? Day Kings 8: :52-53 Concluding Prayer (1) As Solomon concluded his intercession, what was the basis of his confidence that God would open His eyes to see and would hear their cry? (v.53) (2) How might this help your confidence in your prayer? (see 1 Peter 2:9) 8:54-61 Benediction (3) What do you understand by benediction? (4) What does it mean to you? (5) The Benediction of Solomon was basically in two parts: a. Part 1 giving praise to God for two reasons: i. Rest of His people: in what sense has God given them rest at that point? (see Psalm 95:8-11) ii. Not one word (of His promises) has failed: can you say the same about God s promises to you? Why or why not? b. Part 2 expressing wishes in the form of blessings marked by the word, may i. May God with them (v.57): how did Solomon frame this particular blessing? ii. May He turn their hearts to Him (v.58): was it the same as the final blessing in v.61? What was the emphasis here? iii. May his prayer be near to God day and night (v.59a): how does this blessing express Solomon s deepest desire in his prayers? iv. May God uphold his cause and that of His people (v.59b): what might be the cause(s) Solomon had in mind? Why did he say, according to each day s need?

12 v. The people of the earth may know (v.60): do you think the key to the nations knowing God is God s hearing his prayers or their obedience to God? Why? vi. May their hearts be fully committed to the Lord (v.61): How does this blessing answer our preceding question? 8: Dedication of the Temple (6) It is helpful to remember that the 7 th month was a significant month for festivals: with the 1 st day being the Festival of Trumpet, the 10 th day the Day of Atonement and the 15 th 21 st days the Festival of the Tabernacle. Since the feast for the dedication of the temple was celebrated for seven days more, it could have been held right after the Festival of the Tabernacle (it would be inconceivable to ignore the observance of the Day of Atonement see Numbers 29): a. The focal point of the celebration was obviously the temple (and God Himself) and secondarily the king who built it. How does the whole passage end in v.66? b. What did this dedication of the temple mean to the people? (7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life? Day Kings 9:1-9 (1) What was the occasion at Gibeon when God first appeared to Solomon? (1 Kings 3) (2) Apart from granting his request for wisdom, what did God caution him about? (1 Kings 3:14) (3) Although Solomon awoke and he realized it had been a dream ; what does the Bible say about this dream here (9:1-2) (4) Judging from what God said in v.3, what was the purpose of this second appearance? a. Was his prayer of dedication just wishful thinking on his part? b. How did God answer his prayer? i. What is meant by consecrated the temple? ii. What is meant by My eyes and my heart will always be there? (5) What was the additional personal blessing that God promised Solomon? (v. 5) How much, do you think, it meant to Solomon? (6) What conditions did God put on His blessings? (v.4) Why? (7) What curses would befall him and his people should he or his descendants turn away from the Lord? (vv. 7-9) (8) Why did God choose to warn him at this point? (9) What eventually would happen to Solomon? (1 Kings 11:4)

13 (10) What eventually would happen to the people and the temple? (2 Kings 24:3-4; 25:8-9, 21) (11) All who pass by (v.8) obviously refers to the Gentiles: what would they say? How would they know? (12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

14 V. Meditative Reflection Day 127 The Holy Temple In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. (1 Kings 6:7) In the scriptural description of the temple that Solomon was building for the Lord, we come across several emphases the meaning of which might not be explicitly stated, but the sum total of them does convey a sense of sacredness to the temple the symbol of the presence of the Living God among Israel. They include: (1) The side rooms were to be supported by ledges and not any insertion into the temple walls (6:6): (2) The huge stones of the structure were pre-dressed at the quarry and thus no excessive noise would be heard at the temple site, even during construction (6:7); (3) On the walls all around the temple were carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers (6:29); and (4) The interior walls were all lined by wood and no stone was to be seen (6:18). For support purposes, it was most natural to insert beams into the sturdy structure of the main temple building in the construction of the side rooms. However, the stipulation that they would use ledges for self-support clearly sets the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies apart. The message is that God is so holy that nothing which does not belong exclusively to His worship can be brought into the temple. This warns us against going to worship God with impure motives. If even during the period of construction, no excessive noise is desired, how much more do we need to have a quiet spirit as we come before the Lord to worship Him. In Exodus 25:20ff, we have come to understand the significance of the two cherubim that hover over the throne of grace in that just as they guarded the Garden of Eden and the tree of life in Genesis 3 because of human sin, they served to guard the throne of grace of God, the access to which could only be through the sprinkling of blood brought before it by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. However, as it was accessible once a year and seen by the High Priest only, the cherubim carved all over the walls of the temple served to remind this very fact to the priests throughout the year.

15 The symbol represented by the palm trees appeared to have inspired the psalmist, likely a priest, to recognize the keeping of Sabbath as necessary for the righteous to flourish like a palm tree planted in the house of the Lord (Psalm 92:12-13) Even without attempting to interpret the meaning of the open flowers and the stipulation that no stone was to be seen in the interior walls (which I hesitate to do without sufficient scriptural bases), these special emphases clearly convey the sense of sacredness of the temple and the holiness of the God we worship. Day 128 A Priestly Nation The Sea stood on twelve bulls, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east. (1 Kings 7:25) While chapter 7 of 1 Kings is a very lengthy chapter, dealing mainly with the bronze items to be made for the temple, we should not overlook the significance of some of symbols prescribed for their construction. One of these important symbols is the 12 bulls use to support the bronze sea (or basin). Allow me to share with you the insight of Keil and Delitzsch in this respect: This vessel, which took the place of the laver in the tabernacle, was provided for the priests to wash themselves (2 Chron. 4:6), that is to say, that a supply of water might be kept in readiness to enable the priests to wash their hands and feet when they approached the altar to officiate, or were about to enter the Holy Place (Ex. 30:18ff.). There were no doubt taps by which the water required for this purpose was drawn off from the sea. The artistic form of the vessel corresponded to its sacred purpose. The rim of the basin, which rose upwards in the form of a lily, was intended to point to the holiness and loveliness of that life which issued from the sanctuary. The twelve oxen, on which it rested, pointed to the twelve tribes of Israel as a priestly nation, which cleansed itself here in the persons of its priests, to appear clean and holy before the Lord. Just as the number twelve unquestionably suggests the allusion to the twelve tribes of the covenant nation, so, in the choice of oxen or bullocks as supporters of the basin, it is impossible to overlook the significance of this selection of the first and highest of the sacrificial animals to represent the priestly service, especially if we compare the position of the lions on Solomon's throne (ch. 10:20). (K&D, Vol.3, 75)

16 Day 129 Seeing the Glory of God When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple. (1 Kings 8:10-11) The dedication of the temple was indeed a tremendous time of celebration for Solomon and his people. It was not only the first time the ark was reunited with its dwelling place since Eli s sons took the ark away from the Tabernacle, but it was also the first time God signified His perpetual dwelling among Israel as their God through the building of a fixed structure, the temple. We know that God did not ask for a temple, He only gave commands to Moses to build a tent for Him; and through the placing of the ark of the covenant in it, He signified His presence among them. Of course, the Lord did more than signify His presence, He often appeared in the cloud and filled the Tabernacle with His glory (e.g. Exodus 40:34-35; Leviticus 9:23; Numbers 14:10). However, since the time of Exodus which was 480 years ago (1 Kings 6:1), such an appearance of the Lord upon His dwelling place, the Tabernacle, was nothing more than hearsay to the post-exodus generations. Samuel did not have the privilege of seeing God s glory, neither did Saul or David, not to mention Solomon. But, at the dedication of the temple Solomon built for the Lord, and when all the people gathered to celebrate the return of the ark to this new temple, what they had heard, they saw with their own eyes: the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled His temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). No wonder Solomon was so touched by the affirmation of the Lord and uttered one of the greatest and longest prayers in the Bible (1 Kings 8:22-53). We too, have heard and read about glory of the Lord, and one day, like Solomon, we shall see with our own eyes; and like Charles Gabriel, the hymn writer says, O that will be, glory for me, glory for me, glory for me; When by His grace, I shall look on His face. That will be glory, be glory for me! Day 130 The Importance of Adoration LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below... (1 Kings 8:23)

17 It is not unusual for Christians to come before God in prayers focusing on our needs or those of others whom we love. There is nothing wrong with it, after all, this is His throne of grace before which we approach, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). However, the Palmists have demonstrated to us time and again that this is not their usual way in approaching the Lord. Irrespective of how dire a situation they might be facing or how pressing a need they had in mind, they often opened their prayers with adoration, i.e. by praising God for who He is and what He has done. This is very important for both our prayer-life and for our relationship with the Lord. If we learn to approach God first and foremost with our adoration: - It will help our prayers to be more God-centered and less self-centered; - By recognizing who God is and remembering what He has done, even our seemingly dire situation will pale in comparison to His greatness; - By adjusting our focus away from ourselves and fixing our eyes on who God is and what He has done, our prayers will likely be less dominated by fear or complaint and more likely by confidence and even praise. In other words, we are able to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to petition or intercede for God s people in accordance with the will of God (Romans 8:27). Solomon gave us a great example in this respect by opening his great prayer of dedication of the temple with praising God for who He is the God unparalleled in heaven above on earth below and is so great that even the highest heaven cannot contain (1 Kings 8:23, 27). He also praised God for what He has done fulfilling His promise to David right before his eyes in making him king of Israel. The unsurpassing greatness and faithfulness of God thus formed the basis of his great prayer of intercession for his people at the dedication of the temple, making his prayers more than just wishful thinking on his part, but solidly grounded in who God is and what He has done! Day 131 The Breadth of Solomon 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 8:43)

18 I am not only impressed with Solomon s breadth of understanding (1 Kings 4:29), but also the breadth of his intercession. In his dedication prayer, I do expect to hear his adoration and thanksgiving, and I also expect to hear his intercession for his people, but I am particularly impressed with - His heart for future generations as seen in all his prayers including his prayers for the administration of social justice among his people (8:31-32): he knew God had given him wisdom to do just that, but he was praying for succeeding generations that in spite of his absence, God would continue to do so as people brought their cases before the priests. He was not just satisfied with what happened in his time, but during future generations. How different he was from Hezekiah! (Isaiah 39:8); - He knew that God is not just the God of Israel, but of the world; and he also understood the true meaning of the Abrahamic Covenant in that this temple was meant to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 22:18) and that this was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations as well (Isaiah 56:7; Mark 11:17); and - He knew human depravity: all seven specific requests were based on his deep understanding of human depravity for there is no one who does not sin (8:46). He fully expected his future generations to sin, to the point that there would be drought, natural disasters defeats and even exile. It was with this understanding that he knew the importance of having committed to God to bear His name and reveal His presence through the building of the temple so that the people might learn to repent and the Lord would remain their God, and they His inheritance the ultimate purpose of Exodus (8:51). Day 132 Benediction He stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying: Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He promised (1 Kings 8:55-56) At the end of his prayers and supplications at the dedication ceremony of the new temple, Solomon blessed the whole assembly of Israel with a very moving benediction (1 Kings 8:56-61). Such a practice continues today, especially at the end of each worship service, and I would like to share with you the history and meaning of such a practice: In the Protestant Churches, the blessing of the people by the minister (is pronounced) during divine service and at its close. In the Church of England it

19 is given at end of the communion service as well as at the conclusion of worship. The minister does not pretend to impart any blessing, but in effect prays that the peace of God may keep the hearts and minds of the people. Christ says to His Church, My peace I give unto you (John xiv, 27): the officiating minister, the Church s organ, proclaims the gift in general, and prays that it may descend upon the particular part of Christ s Church then and there assembled. The benediction most used, at the close of worship, in Protestant churches, is taken chiefly from Scripture; the first part of it from Phil. iv, 7, and the latter part being a paraphrase upon Num. vi, 24, 25, viz.: The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, your heart and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. The great Christian benediction is the apostolical one: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Holy Ghost, be with you all (2 Cor. Xiii, 14). In the ancient Church, short benedictions, such as Blessed be God, Blessed be the name of the Lord (never the Ave Maria, q.v.), were often used before sermon. After the Lord s Prayer, in the Eucharist, the benediction, The peace of God be with you all, was pronounced. (CBTEL, Vol I, 747) Day 133 God Answers Prayers I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. (1 Kings 9:3) As much as Solomon spent seven years in building the temple of the Lord and thirteen years in building his own palace complex, I do not believe that it was a reflection of his heart in that he cared more about his own palace than the temple. The fact that the Bible mentions the two projects as being carried out one after the other and they took a total of twenty years (1 Kings 9:10) means that they were not carried out simultaneously. Rather, it was only upon the completion of the temple that Solomon began the work on his palace. This shows his priority and where his heart was. It shows that he put God first in his heart, at least during that period of his reign.

20 Furthermore, it was at the completion of both projects that God chose to appear to Solomon a second time (1 Kings 9:2). This shows that God was still very pleased with Solomon. Apart from the fact that God was really pleased with Solomon, His second appearance (which God was really not obliged to do) was important because - He wanted Solomon to know that his prayers have been answered: you see, if we carefully read the seven requests he made at the dedication ceremony (8: 31-51), they were all intercessions for future generations. While he interceded by faith, the Lord was eager to let him know that He has indeed heard all his prayers. That s how good our God is; He is eager to let us know that He hears and He answers prayers; - He also wanted Solomon to know that He is a faithful God who keeps the promise that He has made to his father David in that, he shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel (9:5); - However, in God s foreknowledge, He knew the weakness of Solomon, and for that matter of all his descendants, and so with this special appearance and words of encouragement, He hopes that Solomon would cherish the privilege of God putting His name on the temple and His promise that His eyes and heart will always be there, and serve Him wholeheartedly (9:3-4) Indeed, as depicted by the incense in the temple of the Lord, our prayers reach all the way up to Heaven. God hears and He answers prayers and He is our faithful God; we can count on it. At the same time, we have to be conscious not only of our own desire to have our prayers answered, but of God s desire in our lives to walk before Him with integrity of heart and uprightness (9:4). Our love relationship with God is always a two-way street!

21 VI. A Time for Silence You have meditated much with your intellectual faculty today. Now have a moment of silence (the length is up to you, 5 or even 30 minutes), and ask God quietly, Lord, is there any important message from you today that I might have missed? Show me, your servant is listening? VII. Supplication Use the following chart to cover people and ministries that you want to remember before the Lord, apart from praying for yourself: Sunday Your family Other people Church Ministries Other Ministries City & World Others Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday VII. Benediction (May you be) strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. Amen. (Colossians 1:11)