Gibeon or Jerusalem?

1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalms 78; 2 Thessalonians 2

“…and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s Tent of Meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the desert. Now David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place had had prepared for it…But the bronze altar…was in Gideon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord;…”

2 Chronicles 1:3-5

The ark represented guidance and blessing, but had often been used as a ‘good luck charm’. The Tent of Meeting (or tabernacle) and the bronze altar built by Moses represented repentance and true relationship with God. Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice before the Lord and to seek his face. The Lord honored Solomon’s heart-intent with an amazing question, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (2 Chronicles 1:7). When we seek God’s presence and relationship, we also receive counsel and provision. When we just seek direction (the ark and ephod), we can approach God like a vending machine.

How, and where are we approaching the Lord?

“Lord Jesus, you are my Savior, leader, and friend. Thank you for your presence, for your glory.”