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Jesus - Temple Priest King
Rod ShimabukuroLet these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, [60]that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. 1 Kings 8:59-60
Solomon prays, dedicates himself, and the temple to the Lord. He includes scenarios that include conflict with neighbors - for God to Judge. If the people are defeated by enemies because of sin - to forgive. If there’s famine due to drought, insects, sickness and plagues - to forgive and restore. If there’s a foreigner - to hear and help. If there’s war, the people taken captive, due to sin - to hear, heal, restore... What a list of situations Solomon brings before the Lord. It wasn’t just a gathering to celebrate, gather to eat - say a prayer like our modern day “business or house blessing” or the way we dedicate our “new-church buildings.”
- V. 59-60 capture a summary piece of Solomon’s prayer - that God would hear, forgive and restore His people. As if there was the knowing of people failing God The Temple was a place where people knew God was present.
Reading and rereading and rereading this chapter leads me to a greater reverence and gratefulness to and for God. I’m thankful to Jesus being my forever High Priest - who lived and died that I may be forever forgiven. No more sacrifices, mediating through a priests or having to be led by a king to know, follow and do God’s will.
- Jesus is my King. Jesus is my Priest. Jesus is my Sacrifice. Jesus has renewed, reconciled and restored me to God the Father forever. This covenant promise is made sure - For You Jesus...as my Temple-Priest-King!
Now Lord - may I have no other gods before You. May I live responsibly in worship and reverence to You. There’s a part I play, a life I am to live in relationship to Your Spirit, Your Word, Your will. I do THANK YOU DADDIE GOD... FOR JESUS. JESUS...WHEW...YOU ARE AMAZING! I LOVE YOU. AND THANK YOU SPIRIT OF GOD... FOR ALL YOU ARE AND DO TO REVEAL THE FULNESS OF GOD!
