The Quid Pro Quo Upon Which Israel is Built

Text: 1 Kings 8:65-9:9

Reflection and Question: The history of Israel is beyond dispute: the kingdom rose and then fell, being conquered by the mightier powers of Babylon, Persia and Rome. At the same time, the love of God is everlasting and God has promised blessing upon the house of David forever. In Solomon’s celebration of the completed Temple, the solution to this paradox is made crystal clear: if the people turn away from God, then God will turn away from Israel. From our vantage point in history, we know that will happen, but at this moment, all is fresh and hopeful. Who has the most power in this equation, God or the people?

Prayer: God of Israel, like David and Solomon before us, we seek to walk before You with integrity of heart and uprightness, keeping Your statutes and ordinances. When we falter, as we will, have mercy, O God, have mercy upon us, we pray. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).