2 Chronicles 6 -- Prayer

Solomon prayed that God would now come to dwell with His people in the completed Temple, but he also wondered how God could dwell in such a small space, having dwelled in heaven.  My commentary said, “There is a mystery about God that humbles us, because we don’t always understand Him and His ways, but this mystery also encourages us to trust Him and rest upon His Word.”  “Solomon realized that God’s willingness to dwell with His people was wholly an act of grace.”

Solomon also knew that Israel was to be a light to all nations, and one purpose of the Temple was to draw Gentiles to God.  My commentary added, “God blesses us that we might be a blessing, not that we might hoard the blessing and boast.  The Jews prayed, ‘God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that You may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.’  The church today needs to pray that prayer and keep that purpose in mind.”

One final quote in my commentary caught my attention.  Andrew Bonar said, “Let us be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.”

Father, I noticed that Solomon used the word “I” a lot in this chapter.  It almost sounded like bragging.  Please keep me humble, knowing that without You my life would have amounted to nothing.  And help me to be most watchful after spiritual victories, because that is when Satan will try his hardest to bring me down.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford