2 Chronicles 5:1-14
Saturday, 24 April 2021
The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. ….they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. -2 Chronicles 5:13
The chapter records the unique occasion of the Temple dedication. It had been king David’s desire to build the temple but God spoke through prophet Nathan that he should not build it but his descendant would take up the task (2 Samuel 7). As “a man after God’s own heart,” his preparation was with great zeal as he assigned his son Solomon and give the blueprint in brief and strengthened him for the charge (1 Chronicles 28). In its fulfillment, the temple was completed and its dedication accompanied by the glory descending from Heaven, is recorded in the fifth chapter.
Today's reading tells us how the dedication of the Temple occurred and how God’s glory filled the Temple of God. As the Body of Christ today, we know that we are the temple of God. What is the purpose of a temple? If a temple isn’t filled with His glory it doesn’t fit to serve the purpose as a temple of God— it can be called as a temple, as a structure or a building or place of tourist interest. A temple will not be a temple of the Holy God unless the glory of God is filled in it. Everyone redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ is a temple of God (1 Cor.3:16; 6:19) and His purpose is that each of us is vessels carrying His glory. From this chapter let’s note the progression of how God’s glory was revealed in the temple and see how we can align our lives:
Humility: King Solomon was assigned by God and his own father to do the task and he was humble enough to acknowledge that “But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him…?” (2 Chronicles 2:6) God filled him with wisdom and knowledge to complete the task. Let us humble ourselves under His mighty arm that in His due time, He will exalt us for His purpose.
Acknowledgment: Solomon gives respect and acknowledges others in the great task; therefore he gathered all the elders, leaders to Jerusalem. (v.2) Understand that it’s not one man’s task but a corporate task God entrusted to the body of Christ and each person has an assigned task to complete—let us be faithful in it.
Restoration: The Ark is the most important and unavoidable article of the temple. Here we can see as instructed, the Levites brought the ark into the temple from Zion. Don’t allow our hearts to wander around— the heart which is throne room of God, we need to give to God completely.
Submission: After Levites brought the ark we see a great sacrifice being done by all including king Solomon (v. 6). Complete submission from our part is another important area where God is pleased.
Gratitude & Praise: As children of God, we need to constantly remember and praise God for His goodness and faithfulness which He has shown forth thus far. As they did, our Key verse tells how the glory of God appears in the temple of God.
Today when we look into our lives, does not our temple often resemble the situation explained in John 2:13-16? It really needs a cleansing for which we need to give ourselves completely to the Lord. As we do it daily, the glory of God will remain to dwell in our lives and we will be able to complete His purpose in this world.
To Meditate: Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)
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