In 1 Kings 8 Solomon is dedicating the just completed temple to God. A great assembly is gathered “from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before the LORD our God (1 Kings 8:65).” The priests have “brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim.” His prayer reminds us to humble ourselves, in the midst of our affliction, not just for repentance, but as a model for others to follow.
Before the assembly of Israel, Solomon prayed to God for mercy if His people repent of their sin: “Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive (1 Kings 8:30).” His prayer is instructive in telling the Israelites that if they “confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk (1 Kings 8:35).”
Confessing that Jesus is Lord in our prayers shows our devotion to God and reveals our heart for God. It reveals a desire to follow God’s ways. It shows that we want to follow “the good way,” God’s way. But equally important it models for others a humble heart toward God. As Solomon reminded Israel, “so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no one else (1 Kings 8:60).”
© 2021, CGThelen
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. – Ephesians 5:1
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Amen! Coming to our Lord in humbleness and repentance, He opens a window to share a glimpse of the future glory which awaits anyone who truly believes.
Even a glimpse of that future glory is so amazing. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
God’s been speaking to me about the need for confession and repentance. I do, myself, daily; I want a clean slate before God and others.
But He is giving me a heart for the need of His people to confess.
Your post is a shoring up of that burden, and I am thankful that God is sharing this with others, too.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I pray God will continue to help us see where we need repentance. May we use the gifts he has given us to reach others for Christ. May we respond in obedience to His calling on our life. Thank you for your work and your obedience to God. Blessings.
May we, indeed, for He has given us so much. Thank YOU.
Very great point! Our confessions matter.