How can we prioritize worship in our lives like Solomon did? Solomon’s Opening Move: Worship First “Now the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was there in front of the tabernacle of the LORD, and Solomon and the assembly inquired of Him there.” (2 Chronicles 1:5) • The very first recorded act of Solomon’s reign was a deliberate trip to the historic altar. • Before strategies, building projects, or political alliances, he sought the Lord’s presence and guidance at the place of sacrifice. • Solomon treated worship not as a side activity but as the launchpad for everything else. Why This Matters for Us • Scripture records events not merely for history but for instruction (Romans 15:4). • Solomon’s priority showcases a timeless pattern: putting God first invites God’s wisdom into every sphere of life (cf. Matthew 6:33). • The altar, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, reminds us that true worship is anchored in the finished work of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19–22). Core Principles to Imitate • Seek God before seeking solutions – Solomon “inquired of Him there.” We begin plans, problems, and pursuits by approaching God’s throne. • Embrace tangible acts of devotion – Solomon traveled to Gibeon; worship required movement. Today that may look like calendar commitments, dedicated spaces, and guarded times (Psalm 5:3). • Worship with the gathered assembly – “Solomon and the assembly” went together. Corporate worship fuels and shapes private devotion (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Offer what costs something – The bronze altar was for sacrifice (2 Chronicles 1:6). Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices—time, talents, resources—all on the altar. • Expect divine response – After worship, God appeared to Solomon that night (1 Kings 3:5). When worship is prioritized, guidance follows (Psalm 25:14). Practical Ways to Prioritize Worship Today 1. Schedule it first: Block daily and weekly times with God before filling the calendar. 2. Guard the Lord’s Day: Treat Sunday corporate worship as non-negotiable family time with God. 3. Build a home altar: A quiet chair, a journal, an open Bible—visible reminders signal that God comes first. 4. Sacrifice distractions: Limit media that competes for heart-space; fast periodically to declare dependence on Him (Matthew 4:4). 5. Sing Scripture: Let psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs saturate commute and household routines (Colossians 3:16). 6. Give generously: Financial worship says, “God, You own it all” (Proverbs 3:9-10). 7. Integrate prayer pauses: Daniel prayed three fixed times a day (Daniel 6:10); short, set moments re-center the heart. 8. Lead others: Invite family or friends to join devotions, reinforcing that worship is communal, not solitary. The Ripple Effect • Wisdom Granted – After prioritizing worship, Solomon received discernment that blessed a nation (2 Chronicles 1:10-12). • Kingdom Advanced – Temple construction, national peace, and prosperity flowed from a worship-first mindset. • Legacy Secured – Solomon’s early devotion became a benchmark for kingship in Israel’s history. Closing Takeaway When worship is treated as the first, best, and non-negotiable pursuit—like Solomon at the bronze altar—God meets His people, directs their paths, and magnifies His glory through their lives. |
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