A Grander Theme: Let Your Praises Rise

One Year Bible (July 23)

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19

A GRANDER THEME: “Let Your Praises RIsel”

Did you know that Solomon wrote: The Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs 1-29, Psalm 72, and Psalm 127?

Not only was he very wise and very wealthy, but he was wealthy with praise…

Listen to some of his wisdom and praise, “Unless the LORD builds the house the builder labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Ps. 127)

“Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.” (Ps. 27)

The Queen of Sheba recounted all of Solomon’s greatness in our passage today. She could not sing highly enough all of his praises. When she saw the palace and all he built, the food on his tables, the splendid clothing, the organizational details, she was overwhelmed!

She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of your great wisdom! It is far beyond what I was told. How happy your people must be!” (2 Chronicles 9: 5-7)

The Queen of Sheba could not begin to believe all the wonders that she had heard about him until she met him. He could answer any question that she threw out to him.

Perhaps, the most important question that he ever answered was the question that he was asked by God at the beginning of his rule, “What do you want”?

Let’s go back at this passage. Solomon had called together all the leaders of Israel, the generals and captains of the armies, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. Then Solomon led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. Notice that this proceeds the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant being moved.

Why do you think that God appeared to Solomon that VERY night?

Could it be that God inhabits the praises of HIS people and He responds to their praise? (2 Chron.1:7)

Let’s look at God’s question to Solomon, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Can you begin to imagine God asking you, “What do you want?

What would you reply? “Oh Genie, I want the highest lottery ticket winning available!”

Perhaps you chuckled, but many people would reply with just that answer. The problem is that they can’t take that money with them!

Solomon replies, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. O LORD God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” ( 2 Chronicles 1:7-10)

I think that we often remember Solomon for his asking for “wisdom” and receiving “wealth” as well, but we don’t remember it in context. The context is VERY IMPORTANT!

God came to Solomon the very night after he led all the people in prayer. Solomon didn’t just ask for “wisdom”, but for wisdom and understanding to lead the people properly. He realized that God’s faithfulness to his father had put him in the place at this exact moment and he needed God’s strength to be the king.

Look at what else this Queen has learned from observing King Solomon, “Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” (I Kings 10: 9)

This Queen, a foreigner could see from Solomon’s life and actions the glory of the God whom he served!

You see, with all of the amazing things that can be said about Solomon all of those words fail to capture his finest moment…

Solomon stood TALL above all men, kings, and kingdoms. However, Solomon never STOOD as tall as when he kneeled in prayer. Solomon knelt and “LIFTED” his hands in prayer. (6:12)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (Prayer of Solomon, 2 Chronicles 7:14)

Do you ever feel at a loss for how to bring change in the world we live in today?

Well, I ask you again, what would you ask for if God asked you, “What do you want?”

He answers the prayers of HIS people. So, Let Your Praises RISE! #pray2chronicles7:14