This chapter contains another account of Solomon’s temple dedication prayer.
“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence or blight or mildew or locust… if their enemies besiege them… whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own sorrow and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind, that they may fear you and walk in your ways all the days that they live in the land that you gave to our fathers.” (v28-31)
Most of Solomon’s prayer is pleading with God to have mercy on His people, and graciously forgive them, within a variety of circumstances. This particular passage seems applicable since it talks about pestilence, plagues and sickness. Solomon suggests that if we as a people fear God, and walk in His ways all the days of our lives, God will hear our prayers for forgiveness and aid us in our times of affliction.
The more I think about it, the more I believe that God has allowed this pandemic for a reason. One reason may be to test those who claim to be Christ followers, to see who remains steadfast in obedience to Him. Another reason may be to draw new believers to Himself when they see His heart toward us is for our wellbeing, and this pandemic is yet another consequence of our sin.
I encourage us all to remain perseverant, solid in our faith, obedient to God for all of our days. I also encourage us to pray for God’s forgiveness, and hedge of protection for all people. We can also pray for salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus as their savior, and healing for the afflicted.
Solomon and David both knew the importance of prayer at all times, in all circumstances, for all matters. I encourage us to become/remain people of prayer, not being anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God (Php 4:6).
Father God, our Benevolent and Healing Lord, we praise Your holy name. Thank you for hearing our pleas, and blessing us with Your powerful presence. We praise You for forgiveness, and for healing our broken bodies and spirits. May Your Spirit give us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience, staying anchored to our Most High God. Jesus please be our role model, and our guide in times of trouble, that we may be examples of Christlikeness throughout this world. We praise, honor and glorify Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training