READING: 1 Kings 8:22-9:28, John 5:16-47
The majesty of God is so far beyond our comprehension that all we can do is wonder at Him at times. Listen to these words of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, and be amazed at who God is:
- “Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you.” (1 Kgs 8:22)
- “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built.” (1 Kgs 8:27)
- “For you alone know every heart.” (1 Kgs 8:39)
- “Then all peoples of earth will know your name . . ..” (1 Kgs 8:43)
- “There is no other!” (1 Kgs 8:60)
This God, though, is not a distant God—and that’s part of what makes Him so amazing. He’s GOD, but He also knows us and loves us intimately. He keeps His promises, hears His servants’ prayers, watches over the temple night and day, forgives the sins of repentant people, teaches us how to walk rightly, sets people apart as His own, gives them rest, and grants us “rejoicing with happy hearts” (1 Kgs 8:66) when we follow Him wholly. In His deep love for us, He also warns us of the consequences when we “turn away” from following Him and do not keep His commands (1 Kgs 9:6).
This magnificent, omnipotent, ever-present, perfect Creator God chooses to invite us into relationship with Him—a real relationship in which He communicates to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. How can we not walk before Him “with a heart of integrity and in what is right, doing everything” He’s commanded? (1 Kgs 9:4). No other choice makes much sense.
PRAYER: “All-powerful God who knows every heart, cause me to love You more.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 10-11, John 6:1-15
