REMEMBER THE INVITATION

When my hubby and I arrived at a “by invitation only” outdoor wedding years ago, he patted his pockets in vain. In our hurry to attend the ceremony, we’d left the invitation at home. Violin music drifted toward us through the wrought iron fence while we watched guests chatting and tuxedoed wait-staff circling with gleaming silver trays of hors d’oeuvres. Once my husband related that his sister was the bride, and his father was summoned, we breathed easy—a bit embarrassed but grateful to join the celebration.

After building the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon gathers the people of Israel for a celebration and prays to the Lord. He prophetically instructs his people on what to do when wronged, defeated by the enemy, and drought, famines, or plagues come. Then he outlines sins that separate us from God—and what to do about each of those.

At the end of his prayer, his tone changes and he addresses the Lord God Almighty. This is what Solomon asks:

Now arise, Lord God, and come to Your resting place, you and the ark of Your might. May Your priests, Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may Your faithful people rejoice in Your goodness. Lord God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David Your servant. (2 Chronicles 6:41-42, NIV)

Please don’t miss this. Solomon asks God to :

  • Come into the home he’d built
  • Clothe the priests with salvation
  • Let the faithful rejoice in God’s goodness
  • Approve of Solomon
  • Remember His great love toward his father David

When was the last time we welcomed the Lord into our country, our church, our town, our neighborhood, our homes?

Have we prayed for our pastors, missionaries, leaders, heads of household?

Rejoiced in God’s goodness rather than bemoaning our circumstances?

Realized the need/asked for His blessings on us?

Reminded God of His great love toward His people through the generations?

Look what happens next!

When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the offering and sacrifices, and . . . listen to this . . . the glory of the Lord filled the temple!

Want to see God’s glory? Want it to fill not only the place where we worship but our very lives?

Through His shed blood, Jesus extends the invitation and calls for a response. Let’s do what Solomon did so long ago – invite God in.

By Amre Cortadino

To leave a comment, please click on the above title “REMEMBER THE INVITATION” and scoll down.  Thank you and God bless you!  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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Patti Shene
3 years ago

Amen! Great post, Amre!

Andra
Andra
3 years ago

Love the connection to Solomon’s prayer! We need this perspective–thank you!

Kathy McKinsey
3 years ago

Very good. Thank you.

Mary Pat Johns
3 years ago

Lovely word, Erma. And so timely. Oh, that we would invite the sovereign Lord into every part of our lives–every day.

Dave
Dave
3 years ago

Reminds me of when I was little singing,

“Come into my heart.
“Come into my heart.
“Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”

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