If you could be present at just one of the events described in the Old Testament, which would it be? Obviously, to witness the creation would be at the top of the list. Other terrific events would include the crossing of the red sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and David's slaying of Goliath. However, one event has struck me, in particular, as I have been reading through 1 Kings: the dedication of the temple.
You may recall that King David offered to build God a temple. But God told David that it would be his son, Solomon, who would actually carry out this great feat. From the description in 1 Kings, the dedication of the temple was an incredible event. Israel was gathered together as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to this newly completed temple. And amid this great celebration, King Solomon gave a prayer of dedication.
It is King Solomon's prayer that was especially moving to me. And I would like to share with you just a few verses from that prayer:
May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. 1 Kings 8:57-58
The first part of this prayer is focused on God's faithfulness. In essence, Solomon is reminding God's people of the promise He made to them in Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  We so easily become discouraged in the face of trials. But we have a God who is bigger than any trial we face.
The larger issue is the one indicated in the second of these verses-our tendency to turn away from God. I have often said, when we sin or choose to live our lives by our own wisdom and rule, it is not God who turns away from us, but we who turn away from Him. How appropriate, then, that Solomon would pray that God would turn our hearts to Him. Each and every one of us would do well to pray these verses at the beginning of each day.
But what occurred to me as I read this prayer was just how especially applicable it is to Christ's church. Specifically, I felt it a tremendously appropriate prayer for our church here toward the beginning of a new school year and season of ministry.
Just as the people of Israel needed God to be present with them thousands of years ago, so to we need His presence to be with us today. It makes me think of what Moses prayed after the golden calf incident, "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here'" (Exodus 33:15). Sad to say, it is all too possible for a church to function, and even prosper, without the presence of God. But we agree with Moses that if God is not with us, then no matter how successful we may seem, we are wasting our time.
And so, as a church, let us join Solomon in his prayer that God will keep turning our hearts toward His. Let us pray that God will lead so that our teachings and our lifestyles may reflect what He has taught us in His Word. Let us pray...
Lord, be near to your people at Renton Bible Church. We need your presence. This is your house of worship-may it be your dwelling place. Please do not forsake us. Never leave us to our own devices. We need you. And though our hearts are prone to wander, turn our hearts toward you. Help us to keep the commands and teachings of your Word. Help us to be authentic followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
At the beginning of this new season of ministry and as we continue throughout this year, may we be faithful to regularly dedicate ourselves and our church to God in prayer.
In Him,
Pastor Dan