THE PULPIT: a prayer for the nations
I KINGS 8:22-43
"22Then Solomon stood with his hands lifted toward heaven before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. 23He prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will. 24You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father. You made that promise with your own mouth, and today you have fulfilled it with your own hands. 25And now, O LORD, God of Israel, carry out your further promise to your servant David, my father. For you said to him, `If your descendants guard their behavior as you have done, they will always reign over Israel.' 26Now, O God of Israel, fulfill this promise to your servant David, my father.
27"But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built! 28Listen to my prayer and my request, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. 29May you watch over this Temple both day and night, this place where you have said you would put your name. May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place. 30May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.
31"If someone wrongs another person and is required to take an oath of innocence in front of the altar at this Temple, 32then hear from heaven and judge between your servants--the accuser and the accused. Punish the guilty party and acquit the one who is innocent.
33"If your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and if they turn to you and call on your name and pray to you here in this Temple, 34then hear from heaven and forgive their sins and return them to this land you gave their ancestors.
35"If the skies are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and then they pray toward this Temple and confess your name and turn from their sins because you have punished them, 36then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them to do what is right, and send rain on your land that you have given to your people as their special possession.
37"If there is a famine in the land, or plagues, or crop disease, or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if your people's enemies are in the land besieging their towns--whatever the trouble is-- 38and if your people offer a prayer concerning their troubles or sorrow, raising their hands toward this Temple, 39then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people whatever they deserve, for you alone know the human heart. 40Then they will fear you and walk in your ways as long as they live in the land you gave to our ancestors.
41"And when foreigners hear of you and come from distant lands to worship your great name-- 42for they will hear of you and of your mighty miracles and your power--and when they pray toward this Temple, 43then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. Then all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built bears your name."
---
Have any of you seen the movie Glory? It is the story of Robert Shaw, the son of famous and wealthy Boston abolitionists, who was nominated to be in command of the newly formed Massachusetts 54th Infantry. This regiment was unique in that it was a regiment of African-American soldiers. The movie follows the development of several of the characters through the struggles within even the free north to overcome the prejudices against them. We follow them through training and into service. They were set to manual labor and reduced to field hands once again. Finally, through the scheming of Col. Shaw, the 54th gets to see battle. They preformed better than anyone thought they could. They even out-preformed all the other regiments they were with. For two days straight they fought and marched, fought and marched.
After two days with no rest, they arrive at Fort Charleston, where Union forces are amassed to assault the fort. The problem is, there is only one narrow stretch of beach that provides adequate room for the attack. The stretch was so narrow that only one regiment at a time would be able to advance. The plan was that they would send one regiment after another until someone finally breached the walls. It was particularly dangerous because the plan assumed that the first regiments would be sacrificed so that the later ones might have success. The 54th requested the honor of being the very first!
They knew they would all die. They knew this was likely their last night on earth. In one particularly stirring scene, the group was gathered around a crackling campfire singing spirituals and praying. They would sing a chorus and then a person would stand up and pray. While he was praying the others would be responding to the prayer…”that’s right,” “uh-huh,” “go on,” they would say. It was more a celebration, more a conversation, than what many of us are used to.
Perhaps you have seen, or maybe even been a part of prayer like that. If you have ever been to an African-American church, you likely understand. Many of you may even remember a time when prayer like that was the norm in the Church of the Nazarene. I went with my grandfather to Saturday morning prayer breakfast where the men would get together very early to pray and then share breakfast. Their prayer was much like the 54th’s. Even growing up at camp meeting, I remember getting a dose of this style of prayer.
What a great image of today’s reading. As long as the people could remember, the Lord had had no permanent home among them. When Solomon became king, he began to have the temple built. Hundreds of thousands of people spent untold hours, day, months, even years building the temple. It was to be the most extravagant of buildings. It was covered in solid gold and precious gems. It was filled with bronze pillars and fountains, artwork and sculptures. It was built to reflect the very power and awesomeness of God’s presence. The Psalmist noted that it would be far better to spend but one day in the presence of the Lord than a thousand anywhere else. It was truly a marvel to behold, and now it was finished.
During the annual fall feast, Solomon would present this temple to the Lord. People had gathered and were packed in. All the people of Israel were there. The crowd split as the Ark of the Covenant, the very throne of God, was brought forth into the temple. The people were amazed. A holy awe fell across the crowd as the Ark entered, and then Solomon stood to speak. He addressed the crowd reminding them of the importance of the occasion, and reminding them of God’s miraculous presence. Then he turned, faced the altar and began to address the Lord.
If the people were not as responsive as the 54th was verbally, then certainly they must have been as excited inwardly. Solomon began to pray:
“Lord, You’ve been so faithful. Continue your faithfulness. Remember your covenant. Hear our prayers offered here in this temple. Make this a house of prayer.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“God, when we bring our disputes before you, may you always be a fair and righteous judge, upholding the oaths made in your house.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“Lord, when we’ve been defeated in war, and we realize our sinfulness, we will come to your house to confess our sins. Forgive us when we pray.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“When it seems that our sins have caused droughts, and we confess our sins to you, forgive us and restore our crops.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“If our sins cause any divine retribution, forgives us when we come to your house to confess.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“And Lord, when foreigners, someone who is not one of us, come to your house, because they’ve heard of your greatness, hear their prayers…”
SILENCE
“When they pray toward your house, do what ever they ask.”
SILENCE
“That all the peoples of the earth might know you and follow you as we do.”
SILENCE
Solomon definitely threw the people a curve ball. This was the last thing they expected. Many have noted the surprising nature of this petition for foreigners. Why would they be so stunned? They were the chosen people of the Lord. This was the Lord’s house. It is for the Lord and the Lord’s people. The prayer was “us, us, us, us, us…them.” They had been so used to religion being about them and their God, that they were completely taken aback when someone actually suggested there was room for outsiders in their faith. They forgot God’s covenant with Abraham: that Abraham would be blessed that he might bless others. They forgot that by God’s covenant with Abraham, all the families of the earth would be blessed. God’s covenant was not just with His chosen people, but it was with all peoples through His chosen people.
This is not something that Israel was alone in forgetting. How easy it is for us to be wrapped up in the goings on here at church. Church members having birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, weddings, Sunday School, Worship, Sunday Night Bible Study, Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, visitation, surgeries, funerals, and the list goes on. We have not even began to list extracurriculars such as school, sports, music, hobbies, etc. Us pastors are often the worst offenders. We are always visiting, or are preparing Sunday’s sermon, Sunday night’s lesson, Wednesday night’s prayer topics. We are doing church business and having church related meetings. Church, Church, Church, Church, Church.
It is great to be involved in Church; we just cannot forget that Church is about more than just us. Show me a church that is all consumed with itself, its programs, and maintaining its status quo and I will show you a church that is dying. Show me a church that is consumed by others, its neighbors, and doing whatever it takes to change its world for Christ and I will show you a church that is alive! God made His covenant with Abraham that through Abraham the whole world might be blessed. God made His dwelling among his people, in the temple, that all the peoples of the earth might know His name and fear Him, just as His people do. John picks up the same idea in the first chapter of his Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory…” In Christ, God has made His dwelling in each of us that when others see us they might see and know Him!
This is fun stuff! This stuff is scary. This stuff is tough. Numerous churches have failed to keep an outward focus. They died! The good news is that it does not have to be that way. Paul tells us that God has equipped us all to do the task at hand. He uses the metaphor of warfare. It is one of the best word pictures in all of scripture. To be equipped for the task and hand we each have been given a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes of proclamation, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
It is interesting to note that not every soldier in the army of Paul’s day would have had all or even any of these things we have been given. Paul is describing the armor of the officers, the very best of the best. These items are not easy to come by; they are not cheap, nor are they cheaply made. They are very sturdy, very reliable and are for only the most valued in the army. Yet Paul says we have each been given these things to prepare us. How valuable we must be to God. How valuable our task must be to the kingdom.
God has not called us to that for which he has not and will not equip us. It is clear that in Christ, God has made His dwelling in each of us, that when others see us they may see and know Him. It is also clear that God has equipped and is equipping us for the job that lies ahead. How do I know? One of a pastor’s favorite things to do is to brag on his people. Can I take a few minutes to share some of the things I have observed in my short time here?
First, Merrie Lynne her crew and the M&M group. What can I tell you about them that you already do not already know? My very first experience with this church was an M&M party. How amazing to see this church doing ministry! There must have been 20 people there that night. We played games, had a lesson, had snacks, and learned a lot about each other and God. A group of them went up to the District Camp Meeting a couple of weeks ago. I have heard great stories about Christmas parade floats and VBS boats. As I was going through some papers, I found Joe’s testimony, presented at his baptism. How awesome to see fruitful ministry being done!
How many of you made it to VBS this year? I heard it was a down year and still there were about 25 kids here each night. Karen and her staff did an amazing job! The kids learned about the heroes of our faith. I got to share with them about one of my heroes and them impact that people make on other people. We even had a few come to the altar to ask for forgiveness. How awesome it is to see fruitful ministry being done!
Monday, I met with a group around lunchtime who get together to pray for those of our friends and family who we are hoping will come to faith. It was a small group, just five of us, organized by Debbie, but how cool it is to see people actively pleading with God for the souls of those around us. It could easily have turned into a time for remembering everyone who is sick, in a nursing home, going away to school, or any other number of things, but the main focus was on praying for the lost. It was a great time of focusing outwardly!
Last, Rose is working with her leaders to get this year’s round of Caravan started. The meeting started out with logistics about when we will start, who will teach whom, and other organizational things, but the discussion quickly turned to how we can be a better presence in our neighborhood. I am so excited to see what this year holds for our Wednesday night outreach efforts! I trust you will find a way to be involved, too.
I love the idea that evangelism begins with letting Christ be present in your everyday relationships. Most of the time, our relationships with the lost makes all the difference in God’s relationship with the lost. A pastor of mine used to always say that evangelism is all about building meaningful relationships with lost people. When we have these relationships, there is opportunity for them to see the Christ that dwells in us.
Think for a minute about your friends. How many of them are “good Christian folk”? It is imperative that we have these relationships. In them we find strength, accountability, and encouragement. Now, how many of your friends are not “good Christian folk”? It is as important that we have these relationships because these relationships are what keep us focused outwardly. These relationships are the fields where the seeds of God’s love are planted.
Our closing hymn today is going to be Hymn # 701 in Sing to the Lord the first and last stanza. As we are singing it, be thinking of neighbors, co-workers, or classmates that you know who are not disciples of our Risen Lord. Choose just one that the Lord is laying upon your heart to build a relationship with. Perhaps this is a struggle for you, feel free to come forward an give it to the Lord. Perhaps you would like that relationship to be based on a solid foundation of prayer. Feel free to come forward and lift that person to the Lord. When you leave, share with a friend here who the Lord has laid on your heart. Be in prayer for one another this week as you plant the seeds of faith in the heart of the world: to the glory of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
"22Then Solomon stood with his hands lifted toward heaven before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. 23He prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will. 24You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father. You made that promise with your own mouth, and today you have fulfilled it with your own hands. 25And now, O LORD, God of Israel, carry out your further promise to your servant David, my father. For you said to him, `If your descendants guard their behavior as you have done, they will always reign over Israel.' 26Now, O God of Israel, fulfill this promise to your servant David, my father.
27"But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built! 28Listen to my prayer and my request, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. 29May you watch over this Temple both day and night, this place where you have said you would put your name. May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place. 30May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.
31"If someone wrongs another person and is required to take an oath of innocence in front of the altar at this Temple, 32then hear from heaven and judge between your servants--the accuser and the accused. Punish the guilty party and acquit the one who is innocent.
33"If your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and if they turn to you and call on your name and pray to you here in this Temple, 34then hear from heaven and forgive their sins and return them to this land you gave their ancestors.
35"If the skies are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and then they pray toward this Temple and confess your name and turn from their sins because you have punished them, 36then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them to do what is right, and send rain on your land that you have given to your people as their special possession.
37"If there is a famine in the land, or plagues, or crop disease, or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if your people's enemies are in the land besieging their towns--whatever the trouble is-- 38and if your people offer a prayer concerning their troubles or sorrow, raising their hands toward this Temple, 39then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people whatever they deserve, for you alone know the human heart. 40Then they will fear you and walk in your ways as long as they live in the land you gave to our ancestors.
41"And when foreigners hear of you and come from distant lands to worship your great name-- 42for they will hear of you and of your mighty miracles and your power--and when they pray toward this Temple, 43then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. Then all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built bears your name."
---
Have any of you seen the movie Glory? It is the story of Robert Shaw, the son of famous and wealthy Boston abolitionists, who was nominated to be in command of the newly formed Massachusetts 54th Infantry. This regiment was unique in that it was a regiment of African-American soldiers. The movie follows the development of several of the characters through the struggles within even the free north to overcome the prejudices against them. We follow them through training and into service. They were set to manual labor and reduced to field hands once again. Finally, through the scheming of Col. Shaw, the 54th gets to see battle. They preformed better than anyone thought they could. They even out-preformed all the other regiments they were with. For two days straight they fought and marched, fought and marched.
After two days with no rest, they arrive at Fort Charleston, where Union forces are amassed to assault the fort. The problem is, there is only one narrow stretch of beach that provides adequate room for the attack. The stretch was so narrow that only one regiment at a time would be able to advance. The plan was that they would send one regiment after another until someone finally breached the walls. It was particularly dangerous because the plan assumed that the first regiments would be sacrificed so that the later ones might have success. The 54th requested the honor of being the very first!
They knew they would all die. They knew this was likely their last night on earth. In one particularly stirring scene, the group was gathered around a crackling campfire singing spirituals and praying. They would sing a chorus and then a person would stand up and pray. While he was praying the others would be responding to the prayer…”that’s right,” “uh-huh,” “go on,” they would say. It was more a celebration, more a conversation, than what many of us are used to.
Perhaps you have seen, or maybe even been a part of prayer like that. If you have ever been to an African-American church, you likely understand. Many of you may even remember a time when prayer like that was the norm in the Church of the Nazarene. I went with my grandfather to Saturday morning prayer breakfast where the men would get together very early to pray and then share breakfast. Their prayer was much like the 54th’s. Even growing up at camp meeting, I remember getting a dose of this style of prayer.
What a great image of today’s reading. As long as the people could remember, the Lord had had no permanent home among them. When Solomon became king, he began to have the temple built. Hundreds of thousands of people spent untold hours, day, months, even years building the temple. It was to be the most extravagant of buildings. It was covered in solid gold and precious gems. It was filled with bronze pillars and fountains, artwork and sculptures. It was built to reflect the very power and awesomeness of God’s presence. The Psalmist noted that it would be far better to spend but one day in the presence of the Lord than a thousand anywhere else. It was truly a marvel to behold, and now it was finished.
During the annual fall feast, Solomon would present this temple to the Lord. People had gathered and were packed in. All the people of Israel were there. The crowd split as the Ark of the Covenant, the very throne of God, was brought forth into the temple. The people were amazed. A holy awe fell across the crowd as the Ark entered, and then Solomon stood to speak. He addressed the crowd reminding them of the importance of the occasion, and reminding them of God’s miraculous presence. Then he turned, faced the altar and began to address the Lord.
If the people were not as responsive as the 54th was verbally, then certainly they must have been as excited inwardly. Solomon began to pray:
“Lord, You’ve been so faithful. Continue your faithfulness. Remember your covenant. Hear our prayers offered here in this temple. Make this a house of prayer.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“God, when we bring our disputes before you, may you always be a fair and righteous judge, upholding the oaths made in your house.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“Lord, when we’ve been defeated in war, and we realize our sinfulness, we will come to your house to confess our sins. Forgive us when we pray.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“When it seems that our sins have caused droughts, and we confess our sins to you, forgive us and restore our crops.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“If our sins cause any divine retribution, forgives us when we come to your house to confess.”
“O my Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord. UM HUH”
“And Lord, when foreigners, someone who is not one of us, come to your house, because they’ve heard of your greatness, hear their prayers…”
SILENCE
“When they pray toward your house, do what ever they ask.”
SILENCE
“That all the peoples of the earth might know you and follow you as we do.”
SILENCE
Solomon definitely threw the people a curve ball. This was the last thing they expected. Many have noted the surprising nature of this petition for foreigners. Why would they be so stunned? They were the chosen people of the Lord. This was the Lord’s house. It is for the Lord and the Lord’s people. The prayer was “us, us, us, us, us…them.” They had been so used to religion being about them and their God, that they were completely taken aback when someone actually suggested there was room for outsiders in their faith. They forgot God’s covenant with Abraham: that Abraham would be blessed that he might bless others. They forgot that by God’s covenant with Abraham, all the families of the earth would be blessed. God’s covenant was not just with His chosen people, but it was with all peoples through His chosen people.
This is not something that Israel was alone in forgetting. How easy it is for us to be wrapped up in the goings on here at church. Church members having birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, weddings, Sunday School, Worship, Sunday Night Bible Study, Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, visitation, surgeries, funerals, and the list goes on. We have not even began to list extracurriculars such as school, sports, music, hobbies, etc. Us pastors are often the worst offenders. We are always visiting, or are preparing Sunday’s sermon, Sunday night’s lesson, Wednesday night’s prayer topics. We are doing church business and having church related meetings. Church, Church, Church, Church, Church.
It is great to be involved in Church; we just cannot forget that Church is about more than just us. Show me a church that is all consumed with itself, its programs, and maintaining its status quo and I will show you a church that is dying. Show me a church that is consumed by others, its neighbors, and doing whatever it takes to change its world for Christ and I will show you a church that is alive! God made His covenant with Abraham that through Abraham the whole world might be blessed. God made His dwelling among his people, in the temple, that all the peoples of the earth might know His name and fear Him, just as His people do. John picks up the same idea in the first chapter of his Gospel. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory…” In Christ, God has made His dwelling in each of us that when others see us they might see and know Him!
This is fun stuff! This stuff is scary. This stuff is tough. Numerous churches have failed to keep an outward focus. They died! The good news is that it does not have to be that way. Paul tells us that God has equipped us all to do the task at hand. He uses the metaphor of warfare. It is one of the best word pictures in all of scripture. To be equipped for the task and hand we each have been given a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes of proclamation, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
It is interesting to note that not every soldier in the army of Paul’s day would have had all or even any of these things we have been given. Paul is describing the armor of the officers, the very best of the best. These items are not easy to come by; they are not cheap, nor are they cheaply made. They are very sturdy, very reliable and are for only the most valued in the army. Yet Paul says we have each been given these things to prepare us. How valuable we must be to God. How valuable our task must be to the kingdom.
God has not called us to that for which he has not and will not equip us. It is clear that in Christ, God has made His dwelling in each of us, that when others see us they may see and know Him. It is also clear that God has equipped and is equipping us for the job that lies ahead. How do I know? One of a pastor’s favorite things to do is to brag on his people. Can I take a few minutes to share some of the things I have observed in my short time here?
First, Merrie Lynne her crew and the M&M group. What can I tell you about them that you already do not already know? My very first experience with this church was an M&M party. How amazing to see this church doing ministry! There must have been 20 people there that night. We played games, had a lesson, had snacks, and learned a lot about each other and God. A group of them went up to the District Camp Meeting a couple of weeks ago. I have heard great stories about Christmas parade floats and VBS boats. As I was going through some papers, I found Joe’s testimony, presented at his baptism. How awesome to see fruitful ministry being done!
How many of you made it to VBS this year? I heard it was a down year and still there were about 25 kids here each night. Karen and her staff did an amazing job! The kids learned about the heroes of our faith. I got to share with them about one of my heroes and them impact that people make on other people. We even had a few come to the altar to ask for forgiveness. How awesome it is to see fruitful ministry being done!
Monday, I met with a group around lunchtime who get together to pray for those of our friends and family who we are hoping will come to faith. It was a small group, just five of us, organized by Debbie, but how cool it is to see people actively pleading with God for the souls of those around us. It could easily have turned into a time for remembering everyone who is sick, in a nursing home, going away to school, or any other number of things, but the main focus was on praying for the lost. It was a great time of focusing outwardly!
Last, Rose is working with her leaders to get this year’s round of Caravan started. The meeting started out with logistics about when we will start, who will teach whom, and other organizational things, but the discussion quickly turned to how we can be a better presence in our neighborhood. I am so excited to see what this year holds for our Wednesday night outreach efforts! I trust you will find a way to be involved, too.
I love the idea that evangelism begins with letting Christ be present in your everyday relationships. Most of the time, our relationships with the lost makes all the difference in God’s relationship with the lost. A pastor of mine used to always say that evangelism is all about building meaningful relationships with lost people. When we have these relationships, there is opportunity for them to see the Christ that dwells in us.
Think for a minute about your friends. How many of them are “good Christian folk”? It is imperative that we have these relationships. In them we find strength, accountability, and encouragement. Now, how many of your friends are not “good Christian folk”? It is as important that we have these relationships because these relationships are what keep us focused outwardly. These relationships are the fields where the seeds of God’s love are planted.
Our closing hymn today is going to be Hymn # 701 in Sing to the Lord the first and last stanza. As we are singing it, be thinking of neighbors, co-workers, or classmates that you know who are not disciples of our Risen Lord. Choose just one that the Lord is laying upon your heart to build a relationship with. Perhaps this is a struggle for you, feel free to come forward an give it to the Lord. Perhaps you would like that relationship to be based on a solid foundation of prayer. Feel free to come forward and lift that person to the Lord. When you leave, share with a friend here who the Lord has laid on your heart. Be in prayer for one another this week as you plant the seeds of faith in the heart of the world: to the glory of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
posted by EF + at 2:47 PM
1 Comments:
Good Sermon. Glory is a great movie. How are things going?
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