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Today’s reading came out of 2nd Chronicles 6–7, the dedication of Solomon’s temple, and Psalm 136, whose chorus was sung at that ceremony—His lovingkindness is everlasting (2nd Chronicles 7:6). There is so much good stuff packed in here that it’s hard to focus on one thing. So I’m going to focus on a theme that’s dear to my heart. Solomon speaks it plainly in 2nd Chronicles 6:36,

“there is no man who does not sin”

Solomon is praising God for His faithfulness to His promise and reminding his people, Israel, that their responsibility in the covenant was to obey. Solomon realized that this obligation was an impossible ask and task… no one can live consistently by the letter of the law that was the Old Covenant agreement. The law was written to teach us this lesson (Galatians 3:15–29; Romans 5:20; 3:20).

That’s what Solomon—often considered the wisest guy to ever live—communicated so clearly before even Paul laid it out for us. Over and over Solomon prayed, “when they sin… when they are defeated… when they are carried off captive.” He isn’t wondering if the people will fail. He already knew they would, because no one on their own can live up to God’s standard.

Solomon is saying, in his prayer, “we all sin and we all need to turn to God to receive His forgiveness.” That’s why 1st John 1:8–9 is one of my favorites,

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

What Solomon recognized in his prayer and I desperately rely on in 1st John is that our salvation and the subsequent ongoing transformation are all promised by Him and experienced by us through faith that He gives (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9). This is why Psalm 136 fits so well alongside today’s reading—it’s a recognition that salvation and growth are all God, not us.

Takeaway: Today, take time to praise God for His lovingkindness that is everlasting. When you think of “everlasting,” don’t think so much about eternity—though that is true—think about the sustaining quality of God’s work in your life. Solomon dedicated a temple that wouldn’t last. Within one generation the kingdom split, and the building itself was rubble a few centuries later. But the chorus sung over the ceremony—”His lovingkindness is everlasting”—continues today. The same steadfast love initiated your salvation, and the same love pulls you forward into greater understanding and obedience. Everlasting isn’t just how long His love lasts; it’s how faithfully it carries you, day after day, when you can’t carry yourself.