Day Seven

And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. - I Kings 8:5

           This moment in Israel’s history not only marked the dedication of the temple, but also highlighted a people stepping forward, together, into God promises. The temple had been in the making for years, requiring faith, teamwork, obedience, and sacrifice. When Solomon and the people of Israel gathered before the ark, their worship reflected hearts fully invested in what God was doing next. Likewise, the posture of our hearts should be fully invested in God’s will, both personally and collectively.

The verses do not emphasize the beauty of the temple or the success of the project, but the cost of worship. The sacrifices were so numerous, they could not be counted. Before Israel moved forward into a new season, they paused to offer something that truly mattered.

In our eyes, we may simply see animals, but to those ancient worshipers, the oxen and sheep represented food, provision, money, security, and more. They gave generously because God gave first. God willingly sacrificed and gave us His best, in the person of Jesus Christ. In response, we should be willing to sacrifice and give God our best. Why does God use sacrifice to shape His people?  Giving back to God creates space for Him to loosen our grip on comfort, resources, and control.  It also encourages us to depend on a God who is faithful to lead.

           For God’s chosen people, this moment also represented a collective step of faith. Faith often calls us to move forward before we see the details clearly.  It requires us to trust God with outcomes we cannot control.  As our church moves forward together, 1 Kings 8:5 reminds us that when God is doing something new, He invites His people to respond with faith, obedience, and sacrifice. What is God inviting you to sacrifice to move forward with Him in this season?

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