The Presence of the LORD 2 Chronicles 6:40-7:3
Do you sometimes wonder about what it will be like to be in the presence of God?
All of God’s vast creation exists so that we can have some idea of the power and glory of the God who made it all. (Psalm 19:1) It’s this God who sent fire down to consume the offerings of Solomon. It’s this God whose glory filled the temple.
People were clearly overwhelmed when God’s power was manifest in this way. To modern minds this might look like an overreaction by a simple and primitive people, but God should be feared. (Matthew 10:28)
This isn’t the first time that fire came from heaven to consume the offering. God did the same thing for the dedication of the tabernacle – the portable structure which preceded the temple. (Leviticus 9:23)
It also brings to mind another event which happened much later; during the reign of Ahab. (1 Kings 18)
When God puts his glory on display, it is awesome in the true sense of the word, but it’s restricted; man only gets a limited view of God’s glory (Exodus 33:18-20)
Sometimes people forget that they should have fear and reverence for God. Remember Nadab and Abihu who offered unauthorized fire. (Leviticus 10:1-3)
Let’s not forget who it is we worship.
The temple was an amazing structure, but this wasn’t a house for God to live in, (Isaiah 66:1-2) So what is it for?
(2 Chronicles 6:18-21) (2 Chronicles 2:5-6)
Solomon’s temple was destroyed about 587-586 BC
(2 Kings 25:8-9)
Temple reconstruction was completed around 515 BC. This second temple was extended and refurbished, most notably by Herod the Great, but this second temple wouldn’t last either. (Mark 13:1-2)
In AD 70, Jerusalem and the second temple was destroyed by the Romans.
There has been no temple of wood and stone and gold since then. It was made redundant when Jesus died on the cross and rose again.
For 33 years, God dwelt on earth in human form.
(John 1:9-13)
Most people didn’t receive Jesus. Most people still reject him. The natural person is blind to their own sin. They don’t see their need for salvation.
The Gospels are full of accounts of people finding themselves in the presence of God the Son. It tells us of those who reject him and those who receive him. Which are you?
It wasn’t enough for God the Son to just spend some time here. He came here to deal with our sin, and that required him to do what we could not. He had to submit to the full wrath of God. He had to die a horrible death on our behalf.
While he was hanging on the cross, the curtain of the temple was torn in two. (Luke 23:44-46)
Now God himself had opened the Holy of Holies, and made direct access to him possible.
The blood of bulls and sheep and goats could never remove the stain of sin, but they pointed to the only thing that could; the blood of the Son of God.
So, with the temple no longer needed, what then?
God the Holy Spirit would dwell in all believers.
(Acts 2:1-4) (John 14:15-17) (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
God ordained that from the day of Pentecost, believers would all be temples of His Holy Spirit; and like the dedication of the tabernacle and the first temple, the glory of the presence of God was on display for this occasion.
Believers no longer need a priesthood to represent us before God. (1 Peter 2:9-10)[1]
God made his presence known in the garden with Adam and Eve, and on Mount Sinai with Moses, and in the Tabernacle and in the Temple.
God the Son became one of us and walked with men for 33 years.
Now in these last days, God the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, but this isn’t the final state.
There are Jews today who are striving to see God’s House in Jerusalem rebuilt, but this isn’t how God will save them.
Israel will once again face the consequences of their rejection of God’s will. They will face persecution from antichrist, but they are still God’s chosen people and he will restore them. (Romans 11:25-26)
Israel will come to receive Jesus as Lord.
A time is coming when God the Son will once again come to earth, but this time not in humility, but as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Philippians 2:9-11)
When God’s glory appeared at the first temple, it was just a small sample. Someday all will see the awesome glory of our heavenly Father. Do you live in expectation of that?
There is only one way to be saved. John 14:6 Jesus said…, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” [2]
If you’re not sure of where you will spend eternity, ask God for his mercy. Accept that Jesus is Lord, before it’s too late.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 2:9–10.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 14:6.