1 Kings 8:62-66 “Worship, Faith & Joy”
“Now the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifice before the LORD. (62) The dedication of God’s house involved great expressions of worship from all God’s people. “…So the king and all the sons of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD. (63b) To facilitate this worship the king consecrated the middle of the court before the house. Without the consecration of this area, this expression of worship could not have taken place. Worship of God is facilitated by consecrating space [setting apart time, place & priority] in our lives to meet with Him. This was to be a joyful expression of worship. At the conclusion of this feast we read: “…Then they went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David His servant and to Israel His people.” (66b). The focus was not on the building but upon God and His kindness toward His people. As we gather as Christ’s church, we need to come with thanksgiving celebrating God’s goodness. In this way, our faith is strengthened and we are able to return to our occupations and homes with great joy.
