Devotional
Hear and Answer
In the future, foreigners who do not belong to Your people Israel will hear of You. They will come from distant lands when they hear of Your great name and Your strong hand and Your powerful arm. And when they pray toward this Temple, then hear from heaven where You live, and grant what they ask of You. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear You.
2 Chronicles 6:32-33
2 Chronicles 6:32-33
Many Christians are familiar with 2 Chronicles 7:14 ….if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray …. If you do not know this verse then it is worth looking up. It is a wonderful promise of God’s restoring work for those who seek Him. But what is generally not known is that God is actually quoting Solomon’s words.
In chapter 6, Solomon prays a prayer of dedication over the new built temple. It is a remarkable prayer, full of prophetic images of the story of Israel, which God, in chapter 7, answers. And within Solomon’s prayer is a prayer for us. “In the future, foreigners who do not belong to Your people will hear of You.” Solomon saw a day where God’s glory would extend beyond Israel’s borders and beyond its own people. God’s intention was always to include the whole world in His salvation story.
As we approach the Easter weekend, we are reminded that what was once a ‘restricted access’ religion, has become available to all. And what is so special about Solomon’s prayer is how he believed God would answer the prayers of the foreigners. As part of the salvation package, God does not only save you from hell, but hears and answers your prayers as well.
God bless you and your family,
Brett
In chapter 6, Solomon prays a prayer of dedication over the new built temple. It is a remarkable prayer, full of prophetic images of the story of Israel, which God, in chapter 7, answers. And within Solomon’s prayer is a prayer for us. “In the future, foreigners who do not belong to Your people will hear of You.” Solomon saw a day where God’s glory would extend beyond Israel’s borders and beyond its own people. God’s intention was always to include the whole world in His salvation story.
As we approach the Easter weekend, we are reminded that what was once a ‘restricted access’ religion, has become available to all. And what is so special about Solomon’s prayer is how he believed God would answer the prayers of the foreigners. As part of the salvation package, God does not only save you from hell, but hears and answers your prayers as well.
God bless you and your family,
Brett
Posted in Devotional