2018 Weekly Devotional - Week 46
Week 46
I Kings 8:41-44
“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43 hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.”
The last time we were in Israel we were touring the tunnel area of the western wall. This area is subterranean and was exposed by excavations that began after Israel won the six days war. This wall is part of the retaining system built by Herod beginning in 19 B.C. Herod wanted to enlarge the Temple Mount and in order to do so he built four retaining walls that enclose a system of barrel vaults that were back filled with dirt and rock to create the Temple platform. Serving under Nero, Titus began the siege of Jerusalem. There was a brief respite after the sudden death of Nero in 68 A.D. Titus’ father Vespasian became Emperor and the siege reinstated. The Temple was destroyed by Titus in 70 A.D. and all that remained was the Temple platform and the retaining walls. While touring the excavated area we saw one of the heaviest objects ever lifted without the aid of a powered machine. The stone is about 45 ft. long, 10 ft. high and between 11 and 15 ft. thick. It has an estimated weight of 1,146,080 lbs.! Moving a little further through the tunnel we came across a small niche where some women were praying. It is said that this place is the closest to what is believed to be the location of the Holy of Holies. The experience of walking though, seeing, and touching these stones is simply incredible. If you ever have the opportunity to tour Israel this site is well worth your time.
Our passage is taken from Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the Temple he built to honor the Lord. Solomon completed his Temple to the Lord in the 10th century B.C. You will notice that Solomon asks the Lord to honor the prayers of non-Jewish people that come to the Temple seeking the Lord. You will also notice that Solomon has a purpose in asking God to answer the prayers of foreigners. That purpose is evangelism! When God answers the prayers of people from foreign lands those who lived in those countries would hear of the Lord and be encouraged to abandon their idolatry. The same is true today. Has the Lord answered one of your prayers? Of course he has! When you called on him for salvation, the Lord heard your plea and responded by saving you through the death of Christ on the cross. Have you told others about this answered prayer! Have others heard of the greatness of God from you? Millions of foreigners go to the western wall to pray, completely unaware that Solomon had interceded for them centuries before asking the God of heaven to answer their prayers. Who are you praying for?
In Christ,
John