Don't we all just thrill at an overflow crowd in our worship services? When our campmeetings are blessed with great speakers, Bible teachers and music teams, skilled counselors and enthusiastic attendees (especially the youth!), we forget the hard work that went into making these annual events so worthwhile.
You'd think that after building the temple, the congregation of Israel would be begging for rest. NOT SO! The temple had been seven years in the making. Solomon had it built, brought the Ark from a tent to the temple Zion, and now obediently proceeded with a peace offering and the dedication. Offering the sacrifice before the throng, he held a great feast for the large congregation of Israel. As if there weren't enough cause for joy and pride, the brazen altar was so small that the service had to be moved to the court before the house of the Lord. After eight days, the congregation left with hearts full of blessing and great gladness.
"I am happy in the service of the King, I am happy, oh, so happy. I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring in the service of the King."
Miriam Loghry, Pascoag, R.I.
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