Humble Themselves
Upon this day of dedication the dedication of the temple, King Solomon stood in the midst of his subjects, the very people over whom he had full authority and a people that had great respect and reverence for their mighty king. No other nation could rival the power and influence of Israel under Solomon’s leadership. Through Solomon, the wealth of Israel increased beyond anything it would ever see again. The kingdoms of the world came from near and far bearing gifts simply to wonder at his wisdom. A king of Solomon’s wealth, power, and influence had to bow his knee to no one; they bowed the knee to him.
However, upon this day the mighty king humbled himself in the presence of his people and bowed his knee to the King of Kings. To bow one’s knee to another is an act of humility-a sign of submission to one who is sovereign. Solomon recognized that all the power and prestige he had accumulated upon this earth was nothing compared to the power and prestige of God. He also recognized that he had no power or authority other than what God had granted him. To bow ones knee to another was a sign of recognition that the other was greater than oneself. In the presence of his people Solomon recognized the greatness of God.
Worship is simply the recognition of who God is, followed by a response of the worshiper toward the character of God. This response can be acted upon in many ways. In the Old Testament the raising of one’s hands in worship was a common form of responding to God. The Psalmist wrote in Psalms 28:2, “Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.” Just before beginning his prayer, Solomon Spread out his hands toward heaven as an act of worship to his mighty God saying “O Lord the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth.” (II Chronicles 6:12-14)
Lifting ones hand to another is a sign of surrender. It is recognition that I am not sufficient on my own, I can no longer fight the battle, I recognize your superiority, and I have surrendered myself to your authority. It is like raising the white flag. Solomon was in total recognition that he did not have the skills, the power, or the wisdom to lead the people of Israel. Many times we think we are capable of standing on our own, but God’s Word reminds us in I Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Humility is the recognition of the fact that I am not nor will I ever be sufficient on my own; therefore, I must surrender to the sovereignty of God.
God is not impressed with our outward actions. Outward actions must be motivated by our inward attitude. If our inward attitude is one of worship that spontaneously motivates outward actions this is acceptable worship. However, if our outward actions are a form of appeasement to God or even worse a demonstration before man to show we are holy or righteous God will have no part of that. That is a form of pride. But when our hearts are filled with the fullness and splendor of the nature and character of God and we spontaneously surrender to Him in an outward form of worship which disregards the presence or even the thought of man surrounding us, this is pleasing to God. It is not only an act of worship but an act of humility. Rusty Kuhn
However, upon this day the mighty king humbled himself in the presence of his people and bowed his knee to the King of Kings. To bow one’s knee to another is an act of humility-a sign of submission to one who is sovereign. Solomon recognized that all the power and prestige he had accumulated upon this earth was nothing compared to the power and prestige of God. He also recognized that he had no power or authority other than what God had granted him. To bow ones knee to another was a sign of recognition that the other was greater than oneself. In the presence of his people Solomon recognized the greatness of God.
Worship is simply the recognition of who God is, followed by a response of the worshiper toward the character of God. This response can be acted upon in many ways. In the Old Testament the raising of one’s hands in worship was a common form of responding to God. The Psalmist wrote in Psalms 28:2, “Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.” Just before beginning his prayer, Solomon Spread out his hands toward heaven as an act of worship to his mighty God saying “O Lord the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth.” (II Chronicles 6:12-14)
Lifting ones hand to another is a sign of surrender. It is recognition that I am not sufficient on my own, I can no longer fight the battle, I recognize your superiority, and I have surrendered myself to your authority. It is like raising the white flag. Solomon was in total recognition that he did not have the skills, the power, or the wisdom to lead the people of Israel. Many times we think we are capable of standing on our own, but God’s Word reminds us in I Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Humility is the recognition of the fact that I am not nor will I ever be sufficient on my own; therefore, I must surrender to the sovereignty of God.
God is not impressed with our outward actions. Outward actions must be motivated by our inward attitude. If our inward attitude is one of worship that spontaneously motivates outward actions this is acceptable worship. However, if our outward actions are a form of appeasement to God or even worse a demonstration before man to show we are holy or righteous God will have no part of that. That is a form of pride. But when our hearts are filled with the fullness and splendor of the nature and character of God and we spontaneously surrender to Him in an outward form of worship which disregards the presence or even the thought of man surrounding us, this is pleasing to God. It is not only an act of worship but an act of humility. Rusty Kuhn
No comments have been added yet.
