2 Chronicles 6:33

Cheryl Jenkins

. . . all people of the earth may know thy name . . . and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

At the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon prays to God that he remember the 'foreigners' who will be attracted to and inspired by the work and power of this magnificent temple. Solomon asks God to hear and honor their (foreigners) prayers "So that people all over the world will know who you are and what you are like." He also prays that they will recognize that this is not the work of people, but God's work, thereby encouraging them to live as we are called to live as God's people. Chronicles takes a worldview and Solomon acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty and all the world is part of his plan. God welcomes us all and gives Christians a great responsibility in not just telling the world about God's love and omnipotence, but to show it in our actions to all. He does not make a difference in us as to race, culture, or geographic location. He wants us all to join hi sharing the good news.

One commentary on this verse states that the temple of Solomon's time typifies the human nature of Christ, and where God dwells in us. Through Christ, we are reconciled with God and have communion with him. I believe, as a Christian, the world is watching us and we have a duty to show, more than tell, others what our belief means to all people of the world. In other places in the Bible, we are called to go out unto the world to share what Christ has done for us all. We have a responsibility to not only pray and care for those who live with us and in our communities, but for all people everywhere. Given the state of things today, I especially believe that more than ever, we should embrace people from everywhere and show them all the love and great blessings that God has put in our lives through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. There is no one correct way to do this. It can be from contributing through such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, or going to help an orphanage in Kenya, or even, on a personal note for our family, adopting children who need a family anywhere there is a need. No one place where we choose to show our love and faith is better than another. The important thing is that we do it. May God assist us in outreach to others for his glory and magnification.