Kind of Disheartening

Wow, what a ceremony at the dedication of the new Temple Solomon built!  Not only did God display quite a show of His presence, but Solomon and the people exercised quite the ordeal in the dedication as well.

But is not that just how it is with something new?  There is much ado and great attention to the new 'thing' but what about the future?

I am afraid that even with all its significance, the people of Israel will grow weary of their dedication and attention to the Temple and God of the Temple.  Having read this story many times, I know that not only the people, but Solomon himself will grow cold in his relationship with God and His Temple.  The fact is, the Temple, discussed in today's reading and the object of so much fanfare, will ultimately be destroyed and the Ark contained therein lost - not quite the suspected outcome at all!

It is kind of disheartening.  But this is the way of fallen and depraved mankind.

Father, it is easy to see how needy mankind is.  We certainly have the capacity to make a great spectacle of You, but then, turn right around and betray You.  God help us - You are our only hope - we cannot save ourselves.  Jesus is our only Redeemer.