Day Eight: What do I have to do to get a break?
Scripture: 1 Kings 8:30, ESV
Principle: Forgiveness is preceded by repentance and confession.
Today’s verse is part of a prayer made by the wisest person to ever have lived, King Solomon. When he became king, God appeared to him and told him to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. It’s a great prayer. Who of us couldn’t use a little more wisdom?
But that was not this prayer. This prayer was at the dedication of the temple. On this momentous occasion, it is instructive to see what he prayed. He starts out with praise.
“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day.” (1 Kings 8:23–24, ESV)
He praises him for exceptionality, for his unchanging love and for keeping his promises. He then moves on to make his request. Once again he did not ask God for the usual things such as health, wealth or prosperity. Instead, he asked for God to fulfill his promises. He continues, pleading with God to hear his prayers and the prayers of his people. Then he says something which is key. He asks God to forgive them.
Forgive them of what? They haven’t confessed any sins. Solomon makes an assumption that they will sin and need to be forgiven. He spends the majority of the rest of his prayer asking God to hear and forgive. This isn’t the one-time prayer of asking God into your heart. This is the ongoing prayer of confession of those who have a relationship with God. If you read the whole prayer you will notice a pattern develop. There is a problem, an injustice, a drought, a famine, defeat, or captivity. Solomon then asks God to hear and forgive but it is conditional. First they are required to repent and confess with their whole hearts. Once they do that, God will forgive and restore. I know this is the Old Testament and under the old covenant but the pattern hasn’t changed. Jesus says,
“and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15, ESV)
You are not saved just because Jesus died. Neither are your sins forgiven unless you repent and confess.
Application: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV) Today ask God to search your heart and reveal any sin in you. Then repent and confess it.