‘The LORD has kept the promise he made: I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.’ (v20) 1 Kings 8:14–21
Solomon thanks God for three key foundations that sustain Christian witness. First, he thanks God for his heritage. Next, for his own calling and purpose and, finally, he declares God is trustworthy.
Once a Christian, we become part of a family stretching back throughout history (Rom. 11:16). Our bloodline is God’s, and we join Jesus’ family (Heb. 2:11). Now we can look to a long line of faith-filled women and men as our ancestors (Heb. 12:1).
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes clear that in many ways all is meaningless (Eccl. 1:2). God’s promise is that each one of us is called according to God’s purpose (Rom. 8:28–30); life is meaning-ful! Life only makes sense through this Trinity-shaped lens.
Solomon’s father, David, wanted to build a temple, yet this was not his God-given responsibility. Each of us can rest in God’s purpose for our life. Many of those family members who have preceded us left an invisible legacy, yet one written and recorded in God’s book of life (Luke 10:20)
We also enjoy the assurance of safety in every moment of our life. For we know that God is trustworthy and our lives are always safe in God’s hands (Psa. 139:16). We can therefore be at peace because we are sustained by God’s love today and every day.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Psa. 139; Eccl. 1; Rom. 11:11–24; Heb. 2:5–18.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Reflect on the lyrics of BeBe Winans: ‘There’s a time to live and a time to die, so let’s celebrate each moment of our life. And if we ever lose our way, because the heart is torn, never let it question why’s the reason that we’re born.’*
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, thank You for healing me from sin and its consequences. Teach me to return and give thanks to You often. Amen.’
Image by ALEJANDRAMACOL from Pixabay
