Magyar Egyház, 1972 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1972-10-01 / 10. szám

MAGYAR EGYHÁZ

7

MAGYAR

CHURCH

“I HAVE CHOSEN AND CONSECRATED THIS HOUSE . .

“Then the Lord appeared unto Solomon In the night and said: I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself, as a house of sacrifice... Now my eyes will be open and my ears will be attentive to the prayer, that is made in this place. For now, I have chosen and consecrated this house, that my name may be there for ever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” —II. Chron. 7:12-16

The Lord has done great things for the members of the McKeesport, Pa. church, wherefore we are glad! There are old church members here, who recall the difficult days when this congregation was founded; there are young people here and little children, who do not yet know the hardships that individuals and churches must face, hut we all must utter praises to God, for He has blessed this congregation abundantly with many gifts and among them the gift of love for the House of the Lord, which you all helped to erect in this city. Let us say with the 133rd Psalm “0 coine, bless the Lord, lift up your hands to His holy place... Praise the name of the Lord in the courts of the House of God! Praise the Lord for He is good. Sing unto His name for He is gracious!”

When we dedicate this new House of God, it is like a dream come true. You faithful members, I can imagine, dreamed of this new church as you were searching for the right place to build it, then through the years as you brought your sacrificial gifts together, so you can start the construction of it; and still you dreamed, when the foundation was laid and the walls started to rise. Dreams, dreams... and hope, that some day the new church will be ready, where you can all worship God and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

The time of dreaming is over! The time of hoping anti planning is now realized: today, we are here in this beautiful new church of your dreams and say with the psalmist: God has heard our prayer and has chosen this place for Himself as a House of Worship.

Let me remind you of the time, when David and Solomon lived and the Lord blessed the people and let them build a temple in Jerusalem. Oh, how much

king David desired to build a temple for the Lord, where the people might find a proper place to worship and glorify the name of Jehovah! Yet, he was not granted the opportunity to do so. David was the kingdom builder, whose time was occupied with the battles all around the country; bloodshed and warfare were the marks of his rule everywhere.

But, God promised to help his favorite son Solomon to build the famous temple. Then, when Solomon finished the House of the Lord and saw that everything was accomplished, God appeared to him in the night and said: “I have heard your prayer!” God heard the prayer of the leaders and members of this congregation. I wonder, how many of you prayed sincerely, that the good Lord should help you and grant you the privilege of building this new church?

How many old faithful members, who helped to build the first church are not here today to share in our joy; those who liked to sing with all the zeal of their forefathers, who uttered praises to our Creator with the true sincerity of believers? Yes, there are many, who were called home by God and are not with us to dedicate this new House of Worship. Let us remember them with reverence and give thanks to God for their enthusiasm, dedication and sacrifice!

“I have heard your prayers” said the Lord. Thanks be to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers prayer. Indeed, the prayers of those, who gave the first gifts, the prayers of those who had vision to dream dreams and courage to build this temple, the prayers of men and women, young and old, have been answered by our God.

Furthermore, we read: “I have chosen this place for myself, as a house of sacrifice!” Here in these words the doctrine of “predestination” is sounded to the people who lived in Solomon’s time. Yes, God knew the times and seasons of David, his father; he knew the opportunities given to Solomon, his servant, and He knows our times and our given opportunities.

In those days too, there might have been people who doubted and questioned whether the time to build it right, for to do great things demanded great sacrifices. But, as the Lord showed favor upon His people the temple of Jerusalem was erected, all the questions were answered and all doubts were