After Solomon had built and dedicated the temple, God appeared to him and promised to answer his prayer. He told Solomon that he would indeed answer the prayers of his people prayed toward the temple (which would be the symbol of all that God had promised to be for his people). But he also warns Solomon. The temple would only function as the assurance of God’s willingness to answer prayer so long as the people lived under God’s agenda. It was not a good luck charm that they could use to help themselves achieve their own personal life goals. Unfortunately, in the decades and centuries to come, the temple would be treated like this. We can easily fall into the same error. God promises that if we pray ‘in Jesus’ name’ he will answer our prayers. But praying ‘in Jesus’ name’ also means praying in accordance with Jesus’ agenda. If we abandon his agenda and go our own way chasing our own life goals, we cannot truly pray ‘in Jesus’ name’. Jesus is not there to help us reach our own personal life goals. God has an absolute claim upon your life, and it is his prerogative to set your life goals. You exist for God’s purpose not the other way around. Jesus won’t follow you. He calls you to follow him. Become an agent of God’s will and you will then be able to truly pray “in Jesus’ name” with faith and confidence that God will be faithful.
Put aside your self-devised life goals and commit yourself to God’s agenda.
Read 1 Kings 9:1-9.
