2 Chronicles 7 -- A House of Praise, Fellowship, and Responsibility

My commentary said that Solomon dedicated a house of God in chapter 5 and a house of testimony and prayer in chapter 6.  Now in chapter 7, it was a house of praise, fellowship, and responsibility.

Regarding praise, “Solomon reviewed the history of the Jewish nation, and his conclusion was that the promises of God had never failed, not even once … Solomon especially emphasized one promise that God gave to the patriarchs and repeated often in Jewish history, that the Lord would not leave His people or forsake them … He also asked God to help him and his people to have hearts that were inclined to the Lord and eager to obey His commandments.”  In Deut. 5:29, God says, “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!”  That’s the heart He has for us!

Regarding fellowship, my commentary talked about our own worship times:  “Such meetings are occasions for both joy and solemnity.  ‘Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.’ (Psalm 2:11)  When the Holy Spirit is in control, both rejoicing and reverence will characterize the gathering.”

Regarding responsibility, in verses 11-16 “the Lord promised to answer every request.  He was willing to forgive his people when they sinned if only they would humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their sins.”

Father, thank You for Your promised forgiveness when I do sin, if I will humble myself, pray, seek Your face, and turn from my sins.  Let me never put it all on You, for You have given me responsibility in this process.  Thank You for Your grace, for I have no right to even ask You to forgive me!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford