— 1 Kings 6:11-13—
11 The word of the Lord came to
Solomon: 12 “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey
them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. 13 And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.
Reflection
The Lord promised to live among the Israelites and dwell with them in the city. He also promised not to abandon his people. The Israelites had important work to do. They needed to build the temple, follow the Lord’s decrees, obey his laws, and keep his commands. However, the Lord is the one who upheld the promise originally given to David that God would dwell among them.
Similarly, God dwells among us. As we work for the good of the city, we can rest in the knowledge that God will not abandon his people and that he is faithful to fulfill his promises. That should impact the way we live and how we view our city. The city is transformed through God’s people who live in the city. After all, it is the Lord who establishes our appointed times in history and where we live (Acts 17:26). He will not abandon his people. Confidence in this truth should change our lives and the city in which we live and serve. Go forward today in boldness, knowing that God dwells in your city.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your promise to dwell among your people and to not abandon us. Help me to live a life that is marked by assurance of your presence wherever I go. Thank you that my city is different because of your indwelling presence. I praise you that you are faithful to fulfill all your promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.