How can we apply Solomon's dedication to our personal worship practices? Setting the Scene “On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD; for there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings—because the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to hold all these offerings.” (1 Kings 8:64) What We Notice about Solomon’s Dedication • Overflowing worship—so many sacrifices that the existing altar could not contain them • Immediate obedience—Solomon doesn’t postpone; he consecrates extra space the very same day • Public witness—the courtyard, right in front of everyone, becomes holy ground • Costly devotion—burnt, grain, and peace offerings represent time, resources, and thanksgiving • God-centered focus—every act is “before the LORD,” not for show or self-promotion Principles for Personal Worship • Make room: Don’t confine worship to a small corner of life; expand time, energy, and attention for God • Act promptly: When the Spirit prompts, respond now rather than “someday” (James 4:17) • Offer fully: Present “your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) in every sphere—home, work, church • Let it cost something: David said, “I will not offer … that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24) • Keep God at the center: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) Practical Ways to Expand the Altar • Schedule extended time with God—add an extra morning or evening each week solely for worship, praise, and Scripture reading • Consecrate ordinary spaces—turn the kitchen table, the commute, or the gym into places of thanksgiving and prayer • Give sacrificially—financial giving, hospitality, or volunteering that stretches comfort zones (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Incorporate multiple “offerings”— – Praise: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15) – Gratitude: keep a running list of daily thanks (Psalm 116:12) – Service: use talents for the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10) • Invite accountability—share with a trusted believer how you plan to enlarge your worship life Encouragement to Step Forward Solomon saw that a single bronze altar could not express the magnitude of devotion he felt, so he consecrated more ground. In the same way, when love for the Lord overflows, the solution is not to shrink back but to create new space—time, resources, and habits—where wholehearted worship can flourish. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) |
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