Hear Thou in Heaven … and Forgive

Today’s Reading – 1 Kings 7-9

In chapter eight of today’s passage we see the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple.  I find it interesting that Solomon speaks often to the Lord regarding the fact that Israel would fail Him in the future.  His prayer is very humble and yet it is very realistic.  Solomon speaks of the judgment that God would be forced to bring upon the children of Israel for forsaking him; but he also asks that God would forgive the people every time they turned back to him in repentance.  Notice in verse 38 that this process is not exclusively for the corporate congregation; but also for the individual who had gotten away from God.

Christians today have these same promises from God.  It would be very foolish for us to think that we will never blow it.  But we worship and serve a merciful and gracious God who “knoweth our frame”; and has built in to our relationship with Him a process for reconciliation and forgiveness.  You and I are going to sin against Him (“for there is no man that sinneth not” [v 46]).  But remember, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

We ought to strive to live a holy and separate life; and it ought to grieve us when we fail Him.  But don’t ever forget that He gave everything to have a relationship with you.  He loves you far more than you could ever love yourself.  And you only need to come to Him with a heart of contrition and words of confession and your relationship with Him can be restored.  What a wonderful, gracious God we serve!!!

PS – If God is gracious and forgiving with us, maybe we should cut our brothers and sisters a little slack.