Performer

 

April 2—Performer

Reading: 1 Kings 5-8

 

Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father. (1 Kings 6:12)

 

He performs, dwells, does not forsake, fills the house, speaks with his mouth, fulfills with his hand, chose David, keeps covenant and mercy, gives rest, promises, inclines our hearts, maintains our cause. (1 Kings 1:6:12,13; 8:10,15, 16,23,56,58,59)

 

     The early years of Solomon were a flurry of activity with the building of the temple taking priority. Hiram, a friend of David’s, sent his servants to visit Solomon who requested cedars from Lebanon to build the temple in exchange for food. Solomon also hired his own builders and soon the structure began to come together. God spoke to Solomon that He would dwell among His people if they walked in His commandments.

      Not only did Solomon oversee the exterior, but he made the inside of the building ornate with carvings overlaid with pure gold. Even the floor was overlaid with gold! He also built new furniture within the temple except for the ark which was original from Moses day still containing the ten commandments. This included a detailed mercy seat for the ark with large angels, the brass sea, the lavers, the utensils for the sacrifices, the altar, the table of showbread, the candlesticks, and the lamps all reminiscent of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The pillars in the porch of the temple he named Jachin meaning “He shall establish” and Boaz meaning “in it is strength.”

      When the building was complete, the leaders of Israel gathered in Jerusalem and the ark was brought from the city of David and the people sacrificed a great number of animals. After the ark was set in place and the priests left the holy place, the glory of God came in the form of a cloud filling the house so the priests could not even stand to minister. Solomon began to pray blessing the congregation and blessing the Lord who had fulfilled His promise to use him as David’s son to build the temple. Solomon requested that the house be a place God watched and answered His people from whether they be in famine, pestilence, traveling or at war and give them hearts to serve Him.

     

Prayer:

 

Lord, we want to build a place in our life for You to dwell which is pure and costly. We want to be able to go to You no matter what the circumstances with obedient hearts to find our refuge and rescue in You. Amen.