1 Kings 8:1-11: Longing for God

Verse 1: 

Then Solomon summoned to Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Zion, the City of David.

After completing the construction of the temple, Solomon summoned the elders of Israel and the chiefs of all the tribes to Jerusalem. This was to move the Ark of the Covenant to the temple. The Ark contained two stone tablets. The elders of Israel and the chiefs of all the tribes gathered to move the Ark containing the two stone tablets. The Ark was finally carried by the priests when all the leaders were gathered (verse 3). What was so significant about the Ark containing the two tablets that it began to be moved when all the leaders of Israel were gathered?

The stone tablets inside the Ark were the commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments written on the tablets were like life to the Israelites. If the people kept these commandments with all their heart and soul, God would be with them generation after generation. God would become their fortress, refuge, and stronghold. The tablets, which contained commandments aligned with God's heart, were as important as life to the Israelites.

Moreover, the Ark of the Covenant was where God was present. When Moses led the Israelites in the wilderness, the place where God was present was the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets, the commandments of God, the heart of God. The Ark of the Covenant is a holy place where God is present.

From the scene of moving the Ark, we can glimpse Solomon's heart (sincerity) longing for the presence of God. Solomon, hoping for God's presence and companionship, called all the elders and leaders of Israel. It's because God is not just his God, but the God of all the Israelites. What's so hard about moving an ark? They did not move the Ark of the Covenant until they all gathered, hoping for God's companionship with all their heart and soul.

What is the most important thing for me and the community I belong to? Is it to successfully complete the work and achieve great results? Or is it God's companionship? Sometimes we are asked the question, "Is work first? Or is people first?" We should always consider, "Is work first? Or is God's will (presence, companionship) first?"

Compared to Solomon and the Israelites longing for God's presence (companionship), how much do I and our community long for God's presence (companionship)? And how much sincerity and effort are we putting in?

God, please make me grateful that life with you is the greatest grace. Let me live a life experiencing your presence. Holy Spirit, lead me in truth!