Lessons From the LORD - 1 Kings 9:1-9
This is the first installment of a series I’m calling, “Lessons From the LORD”. Essentially, what these will be are short reflections and/or lessons I am learning from what I am reading in Scripture. As I am encouraged by God and His word, I hope to encourage you in lessons I feel He is encouraging me to share with others. As you read, feel free to share your own thoughts or questions, as well as what God may be teaching You in this season! May these words encourage you and lead you into relationship with Jesus.
“I have heard your prayer and your petition. I have set this Temple apart to be holy — this place you have built where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart. As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness…then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever.”
1 Kings 9:2-3 (NLT)
Context
Solomon spent seven years building a magnificent temple to the LORD, unlike Israel had ever built before. His father, David, had wanted to build this temple, but was unable to during his reign because of all of the enemies and had to deal with. This was a great accomplishment for Solomon, who at this point in his reign over Israel was still faithful to God.
This is the second time that the LORD had appeared to Solomon. The first was at the beginning of Solomon’s time on the throne, in which he asked God for wisdom and the LORD grants it to Him. Similar to when He speaks to him in 1 Kings 9, He makes sure to tell him that as long as he follows and obeys God, his kingdom will stand (1 Kings 3:14).
Solomon, at this point, is well aware of what the LORD expects of him, and has the wisdom to know the consequences of turning away from God. While there is foreshadowing in God’s words in chapter 9 of what will eventually be Solomon’s fate, I think there is another important lesson we can learn here.
God cares about YOU
Solomon had just finished an extraordinary work for God in building the temple. It would be easy to rest in that accomplishment. In the same light as a famous Kanye West quote, “I made Jesus Walks, I’m never going to hell”, too often we equate our standing with God to what we have done for Him. God knows that this a human tendency, so I believe this is at least a part of the reason He chooses to appear to Solomon after the greatest accomplishment of his reign. The majority of God’s talk with Solomon is the LORD encouraging him to keep being faithful, and reminding Solomon of the consequences if he does not. God understands that Solomon might be tempted to rest on his great accomplishment for God and live the rest of his life for himself (which ultimately ended up happening).
When we think about how God’s words can apply to us, however, let’s take a closer look at verse 3. At the beginning of His conversation with Solomon, God makes sure to recognize the work that had been done. He calls it “dear to (His) heart” and ensures that He will always watch over it. Whatever we are doing for God; whether you work in ministry, your secular job, your marriage, raising children, volunteer work, etc., God sees it. Although your work is no substitute for your relationship with Him, it is recognized by Him. In fact, it is not just recognized by Him, but it is dear to His heart. We can take comfort in this, but let us not forget that we are much more than what we do.
God cares about us as people more than what we do for Him. This is evident in this conversation with Solomon. While He makes sure to recognize the great work Solomon had done, the main point of this conversation is to care for Solomon the person. He reaffirms the focus of Solomon’s faithfulness and obedience to Himself over Solomon’s lifetime. In this, I see the tremendous amount of love that God has for Solomon. He loves him so dearly, and does not want to see him wander to worship false gods and live a self-serving life. He wants to see Solomon continue to flourish, and the people of Israel to flourish under his reign and the reign of his descendants as He promised to David.
In the same way, God loves us. He cares about us far more than even the work that we do for Him. Let this be an encouragement for you today: God wants YOU. He wants a relationship with you. He cares far more about you as a person than what you can do for Him. He is to be trusted, and He calls us to follow and be obedient to Him because in Him and only Him we can find a truly flourishing life.
Application
How do we take this and put it into practice?
Something very simple that I do and have been taught by wise men in my life to do may help you too: Before engaging in whatever work you have for the day, Pray. There are so many times, especially when I have a lot going on that needs to get done, that I am tempted to dive right into work. On the surface, I have righteous reasons for doing so. I want to be responsible, make the most of my time, and serve the LORD in my work. While all of this is good and true, the Holy Spirit always gives me a nudge to pray and spend time with Him before entering in to my work. This time spent in prayer re-orients us, gives us perspective on why we do what we do, and ultimately gives God the glory. Giving Him our time is a part of the first fruits that we are called to give to God. And, as I have to remind myself often, yes we do have the time. We are not too busy for the LORD, and if we are that needs to change immediately.
God wants us and cares for us and our well-being. When we give of Him our time, He will redeem it and in-turn our work for Him will be that much more impactful.
