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Reflection on I and II Kings




I was captured how the author of this narrative presents the history of ancient Israel and Judah from the death of David to the release of one of his successors Jehoiachin from imprisonment. It also gives a powerful view about the greatest contribution for the building of the temple. The lists of kings who reigned in Israel diverge on what they did; its either they obeyed or did not obey the Lord. I was saddened that several passages shown more of disobedience and wrong veneration to God. However, the Lord of heaven and earth did not allow Himself to be overwhelmed by these earthly authority and power. In this juncture, I admire how the Lord constantly proves himself to his people despite of their frequent noncompliance to the law.

            The book brought out the significance of having God as the head of land. It is not how skilled or intelligent the one that is in the authority. The abundance and prosperity of people are not depends on the wealth of the ruler. It is certainly the God who have chosen and allowed these kings to reign for a certain period of time is also the One who can pour out the blessing and can answer the need of every people. I understand that the temple of the Lord was constructed not only through the initiative of King Solomon, and regardless of whatever reasons he has in mind. It is still definitely the invisible hands of the Lord why the temple stand. In relation to this, I have realized it is not also how well or expensive the materials used; for what is more worth than the presence of the most beautiful King who dwell on that place. Consequently, God acknowledges what King Solomon has done. In return, the Lord honored and rewarded him. Yet He assure His people that His presence is not only limited on the four walls of the temple for the Lord of heaven has no bounds.

This truth caught my wits, the temple that was built before may not exist nowadays, but it does not mean that He is not in dwell, in fact there is still a temple, and particularly this temple is the body of a person who welcomed and accepted the Son. This temple will neither be destroyed nor be broken. His promise is to stay and live not just only inside but also manifested in the outside. The one who receive Jesus will live and can experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That is why those who are His can never be manipulated by anyone or anything. The only King that must reign is the One who builds and not the one who destroys. This temple should not be filled by the materialism of this world, rather should know how to submit in the will of the Father. This temple should not welcome anyone that is not from God, instead ushered back those who are lost outside. Primarily, this temple should not please people or rulers, rather should stand to please and serve alone the King. I believe the Lord assess people based on the obedience they shown to him. 

The Lord is not mindful of how great or expensive one can give. He is after the heart of someone who is willing to acknowledge than those who just want to impress. I am blessed that though I am not as intelligent and powerful as King Solomon and not as extravagant as the temple that was built, still He choose to dwell and live in me. Through consistent obedience we can have the power, and this power might not be as influential as from the ‘kings’, but I believe this power is one that can cast out demons and scorpions, a power to heal the sick as we lay hands in His name. And the power that sustain us in the midst of adversity. Perhaps, some kings who rule in other parts of the world today can do what Solomon did, but fortunately the King who lives in us is greater than anyone in this world!

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