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1 Kings 6:11-13, The word of the Lord came to Solomon: “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father.  And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.”

Throughout the stories of Solomon, there is a pattern that develops.  Solomon does some kind of activity and we wait to see if God approves.  We can see that here as well.  Solomon is building the temple with great attention to detail.  Then, in our focus verses, we can see God give his approval.  Of course, approval is always dependent on covenant faithfulness.  If Solomon keeps the commands of God and walks in obedience, then he will prosper, the temple will remain, and God will be with Israel. 

This leads us to an important point.  Kings and temples can fall.  God is God over everything.  God can easily bring down a temple, a monarch, or a whole nation, if they repeatedly disobey.  On the contrary, God can protect and expand the territory of a king and a nation if they obey the ways of God.  As I read this, I can’t help but think of what is to come.  God will make good on his promise: the kings do not stay obedient, the people stray, and the nation will fall.

Let’s pray…Almighty God, We know that you are Lord of all.  You are all-powerful and all-knowing, the God of all history.  You call us to be obedient.  Help us do so, Lord.  On our own, we are just like the Israelites.  We need you at work within us.  Help us grow our roots deep into Jesus so that we can be grounded in YOU and only YOU.  Amen.