January 19, 2020, 1 Kings 8:22-30, 52-53 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

VIII.
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.”
(1 Kings 8:27-30)

IX.
How do we draw near to God? How can we trust God “hears” us?

What passion do you hear in Solomon’s voice as he prays?

Even as he questions if the Temple is sufficient to bring the people near to God, and bring God near to the people, what does he reach out to?

X.
He mentions God’s promise to the nation through Moses (v 53). He mentions God is a covenant keeping and loving God (v 23-24).

There is no doubt that at certain places we may sense a nearness to God. But God’s nearness is not held to the place or captured by that place.

What helps you draw near to the God that Solomon acknowledges keeps covenant with his people (I count you and I among those people of God) and has a “steadfast love” for his people?

How does God’s love draw you today?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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