The completed temple
There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a long-awaited project finally come to completion.
From the long, careful preparations made by King David to the seven years of toil and labour under the direction of King Solomon, the temple was finally complete. Needless to say, for all who toiled, laboured, and looked forward to the completion of the temple, it was a momentous occasion for celebration. What more, with the marvellous sight of the glory of the LORD filling the temple.
The equivalent today would be when we successfully complete a big project. After years of blood, sweat, and tears, we swell with a sense of pride and jubilation when we complete what we set out to achieve. Naturally, we would want to celebrate and rejoice.
But in the flurry of celebration and joy, do we remember God’s faithfulness towards us as He sustained us throughout the many days of our toil? (1 Kings 8:23–24)
Do we remember that we should ascribe all glory to God rather than ourselves? (1 Kings 8:10-11)
All the more when the project we have completed is one for the church: Do we recognise that it is by the grace of God that He called us to be part of this church work? (1 Kings 8:15–21)
If we truly remember God’s abidance and sustenance, we would naturally dedicate time to praise Him (1 Kings 8:56-61). This can be through prayer, singing hymns, or giving thanksgiving offerings.
Hear in heaven your dwelling place
Moreover, throughout this chapter, the significance of the LORD’s house, the temple, is highlighted.
In Solomon’s prayer, the phrase “hear in heaven” is repeated eight times and oftentimes it is accompanied with the idea of praying “towards this place [the temple]”. This repeated pattern is seen in Solomon’s prayers concerning matters such as sin and forgiveness, defeat by enemies, drought, famine, plague, and the prayers of the foreigner (1 Kings 8:30, 33–34, 35–36, 38–39, 41–43, 44–45, 46–50).
In each of these circumstances, whether in sin, suffering, need, or uncertainty, the response was to turn towards God in prayer from the temple, trusting that He would “hear in heaven [His] dwelling place” (1 Kings 8:30, 39, 43, 45, 49).
Likewise for us today, in whatever matters we face, we should turn to prayer and draw near to the temple—that is, the church, where we gather as God’s people. As the early believers devoted themselves to fellowship and prayer, we too can find encouragement to draw near to God together with His people (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25).
Let us therefore make time to pray and to draw near to the church. Whether in moments of success or struggle, may we turn to God in prayer and spend time among His people, trusting that He hears our prayers from heaven.
Reflection questions
After experiencing success or completing a major task, do I remember God’s faithfulness and give Him the glory?
Was there a time you experienced God hearing and answering your prayer?
Do we actively spend time drawing closer to God in prayer and through spending time in His holy house– the church?
