There Is No God like Thee

DURING HIS REIGN, Solomon’s father, King David, desired to build a temple to honor God but was denied this privilege. However, he was permitted to assemble the materials for constructing this glorious edifice. He told Solomon, “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God: But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.”—I Chron. 22:7,8

After Solomon became king, he acknowledged God’s presence among the nation of Israel as manifested by the Ark of the Covenant which the priests had brought into the newly built Temple. As part of the ceremony of its dedication, Solomon ascended a raised platform in the court of the Temple, and with his palms facing heaven, he bowed his head in prayer.—II Chron. 5:1-6:13

In Our Key Verse, Solomon acknowledges God’s supremacy, mercy and faithfulness in keeping his covenant. The balance of this prayer recalls the Heavenly Father’s many promises to Israel, and requests forgiveness when the people are defeated by their enemies and repent for their wayward actions.—II Chron. 6:15-42

A proper appreciation of God’s dealings with natural Israel should remind us that they were especially favored and called upon to be a nation of kings and priests if they were loyal to the covenant they received at Mount Sinai. On several occasions they were reminded of their blessings for observing God’s law or the punishment that would be theirs if they were disobedient.—Lev. 26:3-33

Ultimately when Christ came to the Jews to be their Savior, they rejected him. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”—Matt. 23:37-39

Subsequently, an opportunity was extended for Gentiles to do the will of God as manifested by obedience, cross-bearing and self-denial. Faithfulness in following such a course until the end of life’s journey will result in their exaltation as kings and priests to bless the human family in a world marked by righteousness.—Matt. 16:24; Rev. 20:6

How merciful God is that provision has been made for Israel’s recovery from blindness. When the body of Christ is completed they will have an opportunity to be fully restored to divine favor. They will then forever receive the Heavenly Father’s favor during his soon to be established kingdom on earth.—Rom. 11:25-29