“Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart… You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it… Now keep for David what you promised him, saying, “You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me…” Let your word be confirmed…
“’Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to [this] prayer, O Lord my God,.. that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, “My name shall be there…” Listen to [thus] plea.., when [we] pray toward this place. Listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.'” 1 Kings 8:22-30
King Solomon had completed building the temple and the priests had set the ark of the covenant in place. Spreading his hands toward heaven before Israel, Solomon prayed, exalting the limitless loving God. Recounting His faithfulness, he boldly asked His continued favor and forgiveness on His weak and needy people as he dedicated them and the temple to God’s honor. (1 Kings 8:31-63)
Man’s work and prayer should always be intertwined. We contain afflictions of the heart, fickle devotion, and wandering affections, but also, by grace, the Spirit of God. When He calls us to specific roles and duties, He intends to flood our efforts with holy energy and purpose, and we have the privilege of calling on His help. If our work is truly for Him, we’ll seek His pleasure and blessing, and dedicate any achievement to His renown. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 6:5-7; Colossians 3:23-24)
In the flesh, we often turn inward, or forward with narrow focus. Driven by self-determined plans, we push to accomplish for our own ends. One deed done, we move to the next, with nary a thought to the Lord’s high intent or eternity.
When we lift aim, efforts, and hands to heaven, a broader vision opens with our outstretched arms. We glimpse higher purposes, we want others to know His majesty and grace. We take on assignments as part of His story, believing He who began the good work before us will complete it long after we’re finished. We do our part as mere vessels containing and displaying the uncontainable Almighty. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
To what ministry has the Lord called us in this season? How do our efforts contain and manifest the uncontainable God? What change of heart or practice can we implement to dedicate our work to Him and make Him known? When we are deliberate in offering ourselves for God’s purposes and pleasure, He is ready to bless. (Psalm 90:17)
Lord, keep me in humbled awe at Your grace and greatness, so my work brings You the honor You deserve.
