4.3 1 Kings 5-8

Sophia Schmidt

4.3.2020

1 Kings 5-8

Summary: In chapters 5-7, Solomon is building a temple for the Lord because He has blessed the land with rest.  What follows in an incredibly in depth description of the magnificent temple Solomon is designing and building to glorify God.  Chapter 8 begins with Solomon gathering the elders and blessing the temple and making sacrifices in the temple for the Lord. What follows is a prayer in which Solomon asks that God forgive his people when they sin, if they repent and pray for forgiveness.

Key verse: 1 Kings 8:30

“And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Following this verse, Solomon describes different scenarios in which people can sin against God and then ask for forgiveness.  In every scenario, God is asked to forgive his people because He can truly see their hearts. God gives us so much hope and mercy because He always forgives us for our sins and transgressions, even when we don’t think we deserve it.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

My vision of myself and others is changed simply by reminding myself that it is not my job to judge others based on past OR current sin.  Knowing in my heart that God will forgive me for my sins means that He will forgive others for their sins because only God knows our hearts so deeply.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Acknowledge my own sin, pray for indefinite change, and repent.  Repenting is a big and important step but the ultimate goal is to change our behavior and have less of a need for repentance.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus died for us.  Boom. Ultimate forgiveness of sin.  Without His death, we would not have the unending grace we have now.