1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 (NRSV)
Read 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. Verse 23He said, "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, Verse 41"Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name Verse 42-for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm-when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, Verse 43then hear in heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built.
Devotion
If there's something strange in your neighborhood ... who you gonna call?
If it's something weird and it don't look good ... who you gonna call?
These lyrics from the movie Ghostbusters bring to mind the matter of "invocation." Who you gonna call? In today's reading, King Solomon invokes the name of the Lord God of Israel. Solomon declares that there is no God like this God either in heaven above or on earth beneath. With hands stretched towards heaven, positioning himself before the altar, King Solomon declares the absolute sovereignty of God, recalling the covenant that serves to actualize God's promises and steadfast love.
Today's reading presents us with a picture-perfect example of how we ought to go about the matter of invoking both the name and the presence of God. We see in the words and actions of King Solomon a declaration of confident memory. Solomon shows us just who it is that we are gonna call whenever we find ourselves needing to be assured.
Prayer
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice. Amen.