1 Kings 8:1-21 “Hosting God’s Presence!”
Solomon had given attention to detail in building the temple and now he assembles spiritual and political leaders to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD into this temple. Only the priests [God separated spiritual leaders] were permitted to take up the ark. As Solomon and the congregation of Israel came before the ark in this process, they were “…, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen they could not be counted or numbered.” (5c). The tablets of stone Moses received as the Lord made a covenant with His people, were in the ark. When the priest came out the house the cloud of God’s presence filled it: “…so the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LROD filled the house of the LORD.” (11). Solomon then prays acknowledging God has fulfilled His promise of dwelling with His people as they have obeyed His word. He then turns and blesses the people by blessing the Lord Who has kept His word. We must be less concerned in making people welcome in our worship gatherings and more concerned about welcoming God’s manifest ruling presence into our midst. Our legacy and the health of the church depends on this!
