SCRIPTURE:
“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for the sake of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this house, then hear from heaven your dwelling place and do whatever the foreigner asks of you. Then all the peoples of the earth will know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.”
2 Chronicles 6:32–33
OBSERVATION:
The intent of the building of the temple was to offer up to God glory and beauty (that’s why David wasn’t able to build it…he had the blood of many on his hands and was, for lack of a better word, dirty.) But here Solomon prays into the other goal of the temple. To be a symbol of not only God’s greatness, but his grace, mercy and hope. A place where all can gather to and retreat, feel safe and experience His glory.
Solomon understood that God’s greatness, mercy, and power was not just for one people, limited to one nation, confined to one church. The temple, while built by one nation and its people, was meant to be a global symbol of God's glory, grace, and accessibility. Solomon envisions it as a place where anyone, regardless of nationality or status, can encounter the living God if they come with sincerity, reverence, and a desire to know Him.
APPLICATION:
I’m challenged to reflect and respond to how welcoming and open I am to others in my own community and spiritual walk. Do I create space in my heart, and in my daily life for "foreigners", those who may not look, speak, or believe like I do, who are seeking new hope? Solomon’s prayer inspires me to see God's house as more than a building, but a refuge, a sanctuary, and a lighthouse for all who are searching for peace, hope and love. Like the temple, my life should reflect the invitation of God’s mercy. I’m reminded that God’s desire is for all people to know Him and find safety, hope, and salvation in His presence.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me to reflect Your heart in the way Solomon did in his prayer. May I never build walls around Your grace and the hope You offer, but instead open doors for others to come and see how great, mighty, and merciful You are. Let my life be a place where others feel safe to seek You. Amen
