Devotions Based on Hymns from Glory to God and Their Scriptural Allusions

I Kings 8:27-30

Following the dream of his father, David, King Solomon built the great Temple as a house for God on earth. The story of the construction of the Temple (I Kings chapters 5, 6, 7) goes into great detail about the methods and materials used in building this edifice. And then, in I Kings chapter 8, Solomon acknowledges that it is because God’s name is associated with what Solomon has built that this place is special.

²⁷ “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! ²⁸ Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; ²⁹ that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. ³⁰ Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.

I Kings 8:27-30

Just like any human temple or church structure, God’s name and God’s presence is the true foundation of that building.

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the Church in one;
Holy Zion’s help forever
And our confidence alone.

To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
Come with all Your loving kindness,
Hear Your people as they pray;
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within these walls today.

Nearly 100 years ago, some saints here in Winter Haven built the marvelous structure we call our church home. Because they made Christ the sure foundation and cornerstone, it still stands as a place for worship and a base for Christian mission today.

Prayer

God, we praise You as Your children for calling together often in praise and service. Continue to bless our church, and make us a blessing to Your world. In the name of our Savior, Foundation, and Lord, we pray. Amen.