Upon hearing, forgive. (2 Chronicles 6:21)

 

Monday, June 17, 2024


Psalm 106:1-24

2 Chronicles 6:12-31

2 Corinthians 11:7-15


Upon hearing, forgive. (2 Chronicles 6:21)


If you had a time machine, to when would you travel? I’ve read enough trashy science fiction to know that there are some who would like to go all the way back to be able to see the dinosaurs. Others want to go far into the future to see what is yet to come. Yet others still fantasise about affecting human history by fiddling with past political and military happenings. But what about going to visit big moments in God’s history?


We read of one such moment in today’s first lesson. Solomon’s prayerful dedication of the temple is so long it is spread across two day’s worth of readings. And so today we get the first half: there is Solomon’s abasement before God in the eyes of the people. Sure, the king gets to go and pray from a big bronze platform, where everyone can see him. But he kneels on it; everyone can see the king kneeling, which is a pretty bold statement for any ruler of men.


Then, Solomon recalls to mind God’s gracious promise, and how God has continued to keep that promise, and will continue to keep it still.


What follows is a list of specific requests. Solomon mentions justice between the people; the safety of the homeland; relief from drought; protection from infestation; and healing from plagues and disease. All these wonderful things, core issues that all humans depend on in order to live the good life. And they are all wrapped up in the promise of God that Solomon mentions at the start of his prayer, and in the temple he is dedicating.


God’s history is truly amazing: he is not some grumpy old man up in the sky; rather, he is a gracious Father, protector, healer and forgiver, and he wants to be close to us. God has placed us in this physical realm, and so God connects all his good intentions towards us with his physical presence: in Solomon’s case with the temple, in Jesus’ case with the incarnation, and in our case with the presence of his Holy Spirit.


Where are you going today? What are you doing? How closely do you connect your requests towards God with the physical places and people you are around?


O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all your heart. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Guard my going out and my coming in, bless all my efforts, and protect me from all evil. I know you will do all these things for me because I pray in Jesus’ name.

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