The glory of the Lord – 2020.02.15
“…and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord…”
2. Chronicles 7, 1f
When Solomon had finished his prayer (the consecration prayer for the new temple), fire fell from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices. The glory of the LORD filled the temple. The priests could not enter the house of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it.
Solomon had built the temple, a glorious temple. Now all the people came together to dedicate the temple. Solomon gave a speech in which he thanked the Lord and dedicated himself and the people to the Lord. And the answer of God was: HE sent fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifice and HE Himself filled the temple, so that no one could enter.
The presence of God was so powerful that no one dared and no one had the strength to approach Him. In the Bible there are some reports that a person falls to the ground in the presence of God and has no more power. But this is not unpleasant, but being one with Him. HE speaks in this “powerlessness”, and HE envelops the person with kindness, grace, love. This is very pleasant, and this encounter with God strengthens our faith enormously.
Today the temple is the church of Jesus, the people who love Him. There HE is to be found. The sacrifice is the praise that they bring to Him and that HE gladly accepts. The fire is the Holy Spirit, which settles on the believer. They are filled with His glory.
Of course, I also know many churches where this praise of God is very “dutiful” or just like a ritual, or where praise songs are sung joyfully, like other joyful folk songs. But I am talking about the church and about the beloved bride of Jesus. There this longing for the presence of God is very strong, and God’s answer is also very strong. It is glorious to rest, sing, celebrate, laugh and surrender to the Lord in the presence of God. HE is worth it! HE wants to be found!
Thank You Jesus, You are glorious! When I look at You, I often miss the words. You are so powerful, so full of love, so wonderful, so ……. Oh LORD, I love You and Your presence!