2 Chronicles 7:1
“Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filledthe house.”
What a moment. What they had hoped happened. Moses was instructed to build the tabernacle over 400 years ago. David produced the idea of building a temple and Solomon completed it. God was in it. This dedication ceremony goes as planned. God honored it by showing up. Just as God showed up at Mount Sinai, so this was amazing.
In the New Testament it’s a different system. God’s relationship isn’t corporate, but individual. Revelation 3:20 Says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears and opens the door I will come in and sup with him and he with Me.” It works. It did with me and every one I know.
This would shock an unbeliever. The so called educated would think it was a myth or something a brain washed person would do. It’s still true. God predicted this in I Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Jesus taught in parables so the preciousness of the gospel would be missed by the scoffers. He said in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” If someone is mocking, they aren’t ready to hear.
The gospel works. God enters the one who seeks Him and His forgiveness. That is amazing news. Just as it is amazing that God showed up at Solomon’s dedication it’s equally amazing that God will enter our lives. We are talking about the God of the universe. The creator and sustainer of all.
All throughout the bible we see how the angels are amazed at what God does with people. I Peter 1:12 describes how the prophets in the Old Testament who prophesied about things to come were so curious about their messages. At the end of the verse it comments on the angels, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” They were curious and in wonder at what their God was doing with insignificant man.
If we could share with skeptics and they did believe, it would be interesting to hear what their thoughts would be about the effects of God entering man and taking up residence. It would make for good reading. Then we could share with them what the bible says the results are.
When one receives Christ and His forgiveness, he is reconciled to God. The great chasm of sin was removed. We are at peace with Him. So, it makes sense that we receive His peace (Philippians 4:7). The storm is over, the uncomfortable guilty conscience is cleansed and His supernatural peace enters in.
He makes His presence known to us. Romans 8:15,16 says, ‘For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God’. We feel His loving Spirit. He gives us confirmation that He’s in us. It’s awesome.
Lord, thank You for saving us and abiding in us. We are so unworthy. You give, give and give. Thank You, God. You are so good to us.