CONSECRATION

1 Kings 8

We have covered the preparation, foundation, and specifications of the building. The temple is complete. The next chapters teach us how to live life “after the project.” Often God will build something in our lives: a new relationship, a job promotion, a different ministry challenge, and once we’ve settled in, we must learn to live in it practically, day by day.

What were the Israelites supposed to do with this new temple? What are we supposed to do with the “temple” of our lives? Consecration.

Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, a setting apart. Everything God builds in our lives should be dedicated to Him in every way. In this long and magnificent chapter, Solomon will express his dedication to God’s Presence, God’s Power, and God’s Friendship. The challenge for Solomon and for us is to protect this devotion daily.

The United States was clearly dedicated to the Lord upon its inception. “In God We Trust” on our coins, reference to the Creator in the founding documents, and commitment to prayer by our leaders are only a few of the proofs we have. Many parents dedicate their children to God as infants through water baptism or solemn ceremony. The list could go on to include companies, married couples and many others who devote themselves or their causes to Jesus. The emphasis, however, must include daily consecration. While the original intent is admirable, good intentions must be followed by consistent faithfulness.

DEDICATED TO GOD’S PRESENCE (Read 1 Kings 8:1-30)
God has no desire to build in our lives and then be ignored. Because we are finite and He is infinite, He created tangible ways to help us experience His Presence. The ark of the Covenant was a material object He commissioned Moses to build for this very purpose. The ark represented God’s presence in their midst. Even Israel’s enemies experienced the presence of God when they stole the ark (read 1 Samuel 5-6).

Verse 9 tells us the stone tablets were inside the ark, which speaks of the amazing tangible item available to us today: God’s Word, the Bible. If we are truly dedicated to God’s presence in our lives, time in His Word should be non-negotiable. This Book is a gift, the expression of God’s heart, His longing, His love, His voice, His Jesus. John 1:14 says the Word is Jesus dwelling among us. How much time do you spend enjoying this tangible treasure?

Verse 3 reminds us that in contrast to David’s first attempt at moving the ark (2 Samuel 6), Solomon did everything according to God’s plan. When we read through God’s Word, we must be committed to handling it correctly. Read in context, invite the Holy Spirit’s teaching, respect the infinite nature of it. No one will ever understand every aspect of God’s Word. No one has sole possession of correct interpretation. God’s Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12). Approach it with a teachable heart and humble spirit. God will do the rest.

God also provides the experience of His presence in intangible ways. In verses 10-12, He moves in their midst as a dark cloud. His glory was so thick the priests could not perform their service. Have you ever had a similar experience? God provides them if we will enter in.

One year our women’s conference was blessed in this way. Nichole Nordeman was sharing in song. She was so anointed the entire weekend, but the last session of the last day she ended with all of us singing acapella, and then she silently left the stage. No one moved. Nine hundred women stood speechless, breathless, and completely awed by God’s presence in our midst.

Baptism services tend to surround me with that same intangible sense of awe. God is here, absolutely no doubt, but there’s nothing physical. Just an awareness of His nearness. It happens with certain songs on my CD player. What about you? How do you best experience God’s presence? How can you experience Him more?

We can all enjoy more of Him through the final aspect of dedication to His presence: be interactive. Pray. Talk to God. Listen to God. Communicate with God. In verse 15, Solomon begins a lengthy prayer that teaches a great deal about who God is and who He wants to be in our lives.

Solomon’s posture during this interaction is described in verses 22 and 54, “kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven.” Humility is essential when communicating with the God of the universe. Though we will discuss His heart for friendship and intimacy, His holiness and purity can never be disregarded. Our physical position is negotiable (kneeling, standing, sitting and lying down prayers can all be found in God’s Word). The attitude of our heart is not.

He starts with praise which is the healthiest beginning to a prayer. Focus on God and not your list, and it will change your life. He repeats God’s earlier words to his father, David, reminding us to pray the promises of God. Though He answers in His own time and in His own way, God is Faithful and Trustworthy. Talk to Him about His promises. It brings Him joy, not anger, or defensiveness.

This temple is spoken of not as a house for God but as a place “for His Name.” God cannot be confined to a building, but He chose to identify Himself with this structure. Those who have given their lives to Jesus have become the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), and His Name is upon them as well. What a privilege! What an honor! We are called by His Name! Let us live up to that miracle daily.

Finally, Solomon initiates a long list of supplications, needs, and requests. God welcomes these as well. Who better to ask?

How do you best experience God’s presence? Through the tangible, the intangible, the interactive, all three? In what situations do you tend to struggle to experience God’s presence? Let’s dedicate ourselves afresh to His presence in every way.

DEDICATED TO GOD’S POWER (Read 1 Kings 8:31-53)
Our God is omnipotent. As Solomon’s prayer continues, let’s focus on some of that power.

He has the power to judge. In verses 31-32 Solomon knows lawsuits and disagreements will arise, and his dedication is to God’s justice alone. Oh, that our entire world would dedicate themselves to God’s power to judge all things. But even when people don’t look to the Lord for truth, we must rest in the assurance that one day every appropriate innocent and guilty verdict will be established once and for all by the only One with power to do so.

He has the power to forgive. Our entire relationship with Him depends on this truth. Jesus died to provide our forgiveness. No matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been, His forgiveness is available for everyone. Solomon reminds us of the only prerequisite, “When they turn back to you…[and]…turn from their sin.” (verses 33,35).
Repentance is a must.

He has power over the elements. In verses 35-40, Solomon mentions drought, famine, plague, blight, mildew, locusts, grasshoppers, disaster, and disease – first of all, as the result of sin. I would never teach that every disaster or disease is caused by sin, but I say without hesitation: we must be willing to ask! Our region is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. The first priority should be to seek God’s face and ask if there is specific sin related to our conditions. Even if our elected officials don’t believe in His power, we believers should make a difference by interceding regardless. I know it will make a difference! I also know He is the only One who can bring change to any of those situations. Isn’t it interesting that mankind cannot produce rain? Only God’s power can.

He has power to teach. “Teach them the right way to live,” Solomon pleads in verse 36. God is the ultimate instructor. And don’t limit Him to “spiritual” matters. I say without the least bit of shame that it is God who has taught me to use this computer! He is teaching me how to write. He teaches all things. He often uses people, but He is quite capable One-on-one as well. The saddest part of this prayer is that Solomon chose other teachers later in life. Who is your teacher?

He has power to hear and see. He is neither too busy nor disinterested. He delights in you. Call out to Him. Embrace Him.

He has power to know our hearts. In the parenthesis of verse 39 is one of the most revealing aspects of our amazing God, “for you alone know the hearts of all men.” When you can’t explain, understand, or express it, He is fully capable of knowing your motives, intents, feelings, and desires. While that can often be an unpleasant thought given our sinful ways, we must regard it with hope for all the good He is accomplishing in us as well. When the world misinterprets or even purposely lies, He knows the heart. When the enemy falsely accuses and threatens destruction, He knows the heart. When our intentions are noble and just and true, He knows our heart. You can trust Him with your heart.

He has power against our enemies. Much like our discussion about the causes of negative weather conditions, war is often the result of sin too. Ask, ask, ask. If it is because of sin, repent, turn back to God, and watch what He will do. Solomon mentions God’s ability to “uphold [our] cause” (verse 45) and “cause [our] conquerors to show…mercy” (verse 50).

There are numerous stories out of World War II that illustrate these truths. The woman who hid Anne Frank was threatened with a gun to her head when her captor was suddenly dissuaded by a fellow Gestapo member. Russian Christians held in captivity share about having guns jam just as the shots were fired. Our God is able. Why doesn’t He intervene every time? Why did six million Jews have to die because of Adolf Hitler and other wicked men? I do not have the answers. But my limited knowledge does not limit God’s power. We have no more powerful ally.

He has power to deliver. From bondage in Egypt to the bondages of sin, our God can deliver completely.

He has sovereign power - power over all. Even when men and women make evil choices and create disaster and despair, God is not sleeping. We must trust in ultimate victory.

He has the power to choose. “For you singled them out…” (verse 53). God chose the Israelites as His own, and he has chosen you. Would you dedicate yourself to Him afresh today?

He has power to love. 2 Chronicles 7:1 provides one detail omitted in 1 Kings 8, “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.” What a sight that must have been. God reached down with gusto to say, “I Am here!” His love knows no bounds. He loves you, and it is a powerful, never-ending love.

Who/What is the most powerful force in your life?

DEDICATED TO GOD’S FRIENDSHIP (Read 1 Kings 8:54-66)
The sweetest and most unique aspect of Christianity as compared to any other religion is our God’s desire to be our Friend.

This friendship begins with humility. We discussed earlier Solomon’s kneeling posture in prayer (verse 54). Friendship with God demands humility first and foremost. Though He is near and accessible, He remains holy and pure. We must never neglect to have a humble heart with Him. He is more than worthy.

I love Solomon’s first response after spending time with God in prayer, “He stood and blessed the whole assembly…” (verse 55). Friendship with God leads to pouring out blessing on others. God showed me how this works the other day when someone ran into the back of my car at a traffic light. The Spirit immediately ministered to me that the situation was not critical in regard to me or my vehicle, so I stepped out of the car with that admonition from my Friend. I was met by a woman crying unstoppable tears, who could not even speak she was so overcome with emotion. As I coached her to ease her car off of my tow bar, her tears continued to flow. I continued to reassure her that my car was fine, we didn’t need to call the police, and everything was going to be okay. She merely stood before me sobbing, shaking her head, and looking as forlorn as anyone I’d ever seen. With horns blaring around us and our cars blocking traffic, I placed my hands gently on her arms as the Lord led me in a prayer of blessing over this distraught woman. When I returned to my vehicle, the Lord told me she was crying before she ever hit me. She needed to experience the friendship of God, and He allowed me to be the vessel. How can you extend God’s friendship to someone today?

Friendship with God is not all work, however. On the contrary, it is a life of praise and rest. “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to His people,” Solomon exclaimed in verse 56. If we have a praise-less, restless life, we need to reconnect with our best Friend.

Once again God points to His promises. Many of our friends have to break promises for one reason or another, but God never will. He does not always fulfill them in our time or by our methods, but He is Faithful.

When Solomon speaks of God being with us and never leaving us (verse 57), as well as walking with us (verse 58), the lesson is companionship. God just enjoys spending time with us. He is not solely focused on multi-tasking and constant activity (though there is so much work to do in this world!) He loves you as a companion.

In verse 59 Solomon mentions being “near to God day and night” and His intervention for “each day’s need.” God fully intends for this relationship to be daily. There is never a good day to leave Him behind.

There is no replacement or substitute for our friendship with God. “The LORD is God and there is no other” (verse 60) should go without saying.

Verses 58 and 61 explain the only conditions to this friendship: “walk in all His ways” and “your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD.” He is not a part-time or part-way friend. He is the whole and complete package.

Verses 62-64 reiterate the offerings and sacrifices given. Our friendship with God cost Jesus His life. There should be nothing we won’t give in return. My favorite offering, mentioned several times, is the fellowship offering. If you read about this offering in Leviticus 7, you find it represents just what its name implies. It served as a time for the Israelites to spend time with God because they wanted to. Not because of a sin they needed forgiveness for or some other type of guilt; not because of needs they had or sorrows. It was simple fellowship. How amazing that the God of the universe enjoys spending time with us for no reason except love.

And enjoy Him we should. In the final verses of this chapter, Israel celebrates for fourteen days, blesses the king, and goes home joyful and glad in heart. Our friendship with God should be the greatest joy of our life. What does your friendship with God look like?

What is God building in your life?
How can you dedicate each part of your life to His presence, His power, and His friendship today?