In the Autumn of 971 BC, King David’s son Solomon finally completed construction on God’s magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. The dedication ceremonies were no less magnificent. All of Israel gathered to celebrate, every priest and Levite was present. 120 priests blew trumpets, joining all the musical instruments and cymbals, they all raised their voices in harmonious praise to God singing,“For He is good, and His love endures forever!” As they did, the Temple was filled with a cloud, and the priests couldn’t even stand up to do their service because of the glory of God filled the house.
Then Solomon bowed to his knees before all Israel, spread his hands toward heaven and prayed for God’s mercy, grace and favor. When he finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifices, the glory of God filled the Temple again so that no one could even enter. All of Israel dropped to their faces and sang it again,“For He is good, and His love endures forever!”
That night, God appeared to Solomon and promised that if the people who bear His name will humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear, forgive their sin and heal their land. But why does their land need healing?What’s fascinating is that in the previous verse, God admits to being the One who stops rain, orders locusts to devour, and sends epidemics of sickness among the people. Most people have a real problem with this theology, but God doesn’t seem to be embarrassed by it. It seems to be of utmost importance to the heart of God that His people humble themselves, pray, and turn from wicked ways, and He will stop at nothing to see that result achieved.
I pray for God’s mercy to fall on us all, our families and our very land, our nation, and our people because, with humble hearts, we seek the LORD and turn from our wicked ways.
