Untitled Sermon

2 Chronicles 1:1–13 NIV

Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. Then Solomon spoke to all Israel—to the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, to the judges and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of families—and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the wilderness. Now David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place he had prepared for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem. But the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there. Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel.

I think chapter one is showing the community of Israel a little more about who their king is, and where his wisdom came from, and again - as in 1 Chronicles - demonstrates how blessing comes from seeking out God and walking in obedience.

In - If these words had been written and read during the time of King Solomon, it would almost serve the community of Israel as a news update of how their government/King was handling the kingdom, and how he was creating political alliances, and conducting trade. But since I don’t think it was read by the community of Israel at the time of King Solomon, I think it would serve future generations by giving them an example of what a wise King should do. And also to give an example of what it looks like for a kingdom to be blessed by God.

17 He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz. 1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I think the whole chapters - is there to show the community of Israel how much care and love and attention to the finest of details was being given to the construction of the temple - one of the most - if not THE most - important buildings for the nation. The Temple plays a central role for the community over history - it is a vital part of their every day life in that it is where they are to worship and have connection with God before Jesus arrives on the scene.

Having the pillars named Jakin: “He establishes” and Boaz: “In him is strength” again reminding the people of Israel of how important it was to seek and follow the Lord. Strength and Stability come from God.

I think this part of the story is here to help the community of Isreal remember once again what happens when they follow and obey what the Lord asks - they finally, after much work and great attention to the proper details, finished the temple and began to worship God there - and God responds by blessing the people by actually showing them His presence.

Maybe also the text is starting to teach the community the importance of worship and that God responds to our worship - a living relationship with God can happen through worship - that he responds when we draw near with our praise.

  When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good;

his love endures forever.” 1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I wen to sleep soon after reading these passages, and I woke up with the idea that the completion and dedication of the temple, and how God responded is one of the most important in the life of the community of Isreal. The temple is central to their spiritual life, central to their worship and that God showed his presence in visible and tangible ways - the cloud, his glory being so heavy that the priests could not continue their work, and finally fire falling from heaven to consume the sacrifice - I think this was God’s way of stamping this occasion into the minds and hearts of the people.

God even goes on in to promise the people of Israel His blessing, His response, His forgiveness, His restoration, His attentive listening and intervention in their lives when they would turn to him and confess their sins and turn from their wicked ways.

And also lays out a similar promise to the King - walk before me faithfully, and you will be established. Turn away from me, and you and your kingdom will be uprooted. An important message for the community of Israel to be sure.

After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel g with him abandoned the law of the Lord.1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I read this and feel such disappointment. You know it’s coming, but it still feels so frustrating. But the scary part to this, and why I think these stories are there for the community of Israel (and us today) is to remind us of how easy it is to forget God when everything settles around you, and you are walking in the blessing and open spaces that God has provided for you. You become strong, and think you did it all....and so easily turn away from who really made the prosperity.

18 The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

The civil war - or divided Kingdom is also important for the community. This division of kingdoms is kind of a dramatic demonstration of what happens when you are obedient and faithful to God, and what happens when you rebel and follow your own ways and devices.

  In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

2 Asa then took the silver and gold out of the treasuries of the Lord’s temple and of his own palace and sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. 3 “Let there be a treaty between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.” 1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

What a stark contrast to the young King Asa - who bravely called on the name of Lord before going out to battle a large foe - and then now, many years later, it seems he has forgotten that dependence on God and instead leaned on the nations around him. I think this is a vital lesson for the community of Israel - and for me! We can experience God’s deliverance and activity in our lives at one point of time, but are always in danger of forgetting when we face new challenges and obstacles. What happened to Asa and his walk with God over the ten years of peace that his kingdom experienced? How did he slide? Such a vital thing for me to carefully consider - it is easy to forget sometimes who our help is when we are faced with another difficult challenge.

For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

King Jehosaphat is one of my favorite kings. Though he makes a few mistakes, making a hasting alliance with a king who didn’t follow God for one, he still remembers to seek the Lord - even when being faced with new trials and difficulties. I think his story in the scriptures is there to record the history of his reign, but also to show the community of Israel the importance of remembering to turn to the Lord when you are faced with a massive problem. I think this text also points to the power of corporate waiting on the Lord for help -

25 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.1

1 The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I think this is an important message for the community of Israel - a reminder to serve the Lord with the whole heart, and not half way.