THE GLORY OF THE LORD. 2nd Chronicles 5 When recounting historical events to future generations, emphasis should be on those aspects that have the greatest impact on our lives today. The purpose of knowing history is to prevent the current generation from repeating the mistakes of their ancestors or to shed light on what remains essential today. The story of the building of the temple, its grandeur, and its dedication to the people returning from Babylon provides us with a glimpse of the future when "the King of glory shall come in." Our Lord is not finished with the world yet. He has given us a preview of the Lord's upcoming glory, which will be visible not only in the temple in Jerusalem but also throughout the entire world. By highlighting the temple built by Solomon, we learn about the divine authority we recognize when we worship and serve our Lord. God is holy, and this holiness is evident when we gather as His people to worship in the way He has chosen. His new covenant with us is based not on what appeals to or makes us “comfortable," but on God's word. This was followed in the temple's construction and should be followed in "the house of God" today. By nature, we cannot approach God, but by His grace, He has made it possible for us to "draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you." Forgiveness is possible because of the value of the innocent Substitute who "offered Himself without spot to God" and died in our place. Because of Him, who has opened this “new and living way,” the way into God's presence is now open for us. By faith, we enter through the veil today. In the future, represented by the temple Solomon built, the glory of the Lord will be seen and experienced in a way that is clear to all who observe. That will not be a more real experience than the one we have now by faith. Faith is not wishful thinking but a confident assurance of everything we have because our faith is in the Lord Himself. We can experience the glory of the Lord in that way now. In the past, people went to the temple to pray. The throne of grace we approach is open and available to us at all times and in any place because, by being "in Christ," we are actually part of God's dwelling place. The temple was completed as far as the building itself was concerned, and the items David had dedicated to the Lord were placed there. However, this did not cause the glory of the Lord to fill the temple. The grandeur of the building was not diminished in any way by the nearly year since its completion, but the glory of the Lord was absent. During the most fitting time for the nation—the feast of Tabernacles, which celebrated God's protection during their wilderness journey to the promised land and renewed their commitment to God—the ark was to be brought into the temple. The tabernacle at Gibeon was moved, and all in it—the gold-covered boards, the curtains, the furniture, the pins—were stored in the temple. The evidence of past glory and all related antiquities were placed inside, yet they did not bring the Lord’s glory with them. The priests who were Levites descended to Mount Zion and brought "the ark of the covenant of the Lord" up to the higher part of the mountain where the temple was built. Sacrifices were made continually as the ark was carried up to the temple. Likely, the sacrifices were a continual peace offering shared by the people, the priests, and the Lord. When the ark was carried into the holiest place, it had finally arrived after 129 years away at the place where it could testify to the Lord's presence with His people in the most fitting way. The manna had been removed, and Aaron's rod that budded was also not in the ark, but the tablets of stone on which the word of God was engraved were there. "The word of the Lord endures forever." The "hidden manna" and the tree in which there is life are restored in a spiritual sense to those who overcome in this church age in the assemblies of God's people in which they are a part. That which nourishes God's people and the Gospel they present to others is real and available. After the ark was placed, the ancient artifacts of the tabernacle were stored away, thousands of sacrifices were offered, and the priests consecrated themselves, but the glory of the Lord still did not appear. Those physical and ceremonial acts, impressive as they were, did not prove faith in a living God. "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him." But then, by the east gate facing the brazen altar and the temple beyond where the ark of the covenant of the Lord now rested, the testimony of faith began. The testimony of song started rising from the hearts and voices of the singers, and the 120 priest-trumpeters played their music, which could be heard all over that mountain by thousands of God's people gathered there. The singers sang in unison with the musicians, expressing the testimony of faith in the Lord Himself. As all this happened, the people of the Lord looked beyond the beautiful building and everything inside it, declared their faith in the Lord, and praised Him. Then the temple was filled with the cloud of God's presence. That presence was so overwhelming that there was no room for the priests to do anything. All human effort ceased as God moved in to dwell in His house amidst His people. Such glory was tangible, but it was evidence of the reality of God's Presence Himself, hidden from men's eyes. There was no doubt about it. God was there. What a wonder! What a cause for joy! "God is in you of a truth" can be said of those who follow divine order in worship and service in the gatherings of God's people today. When God is honored and His presence acknowledged, even though He is unseen, worship begins, and testimony flourishes. During worship, we speak of His love and great grace. We sing of His mercy and faithfulness. We respond to Him with hearts full of praise. The glory of the Lord and the praise of His people go hand in hand. "Unseen we love Thee, dear Thy name..." are true words as we gather together to "worship the King, all glorious is He." The glory that filled the temple did not remain when God's people took Him for granted and pursued the pleasures of sin and the world. As Ezra, or whoever else wrote these Chronicles of Israel, the new generation—those who did understand the value of God's ways with His people in the past—would have become aware of who they were and what they were now called to do. The task before them would have gained significance as they recognized the heritage they were carrying on, even though it was not as glorious as in earlier days. Although circumstances today differ from those of our ancestors, we must focus on the present and commit ourselves to what God calls us to do now. Mourning what has been lost is pointless; instead, we should act on our current responsibilities. God's glory is infinite, and He is able and willing to allow us to "glorify Him," "give Him glory," and experience His presence by faith when He gathers us and says, "There am I in the midst of them." The final act of the work was finished. The lamps were lit, and the door was hung. The basins, tables, bread, tongs, and spoons—all were in place. The animals for the sacrifices and the offerors who brought them were all in the correct spots. Then the priests brought the ark into the most holy place and left the staves there. Under the cherubim with wings stretching from wall to wall, the ark was placed before the oracle, never again to be seen by anyone. The music started; hymns and psalms were sung to praise the Lord. The curtain was swung back into position, and then the house filled with the cloud.
The presence of the Lord is not hard to recognize. There is evidence of it nearly everywhere I look. It appears in the light shining from the face of a saint who gets a glimpse of God’s glory before their final breath. When a soul is saved and understands the extent of God’s grace, and when the Word of God is read with feeling and reverence, those who listen sense God’s presence.
A large company of God’s people raises their voices together in song. As their praise is heard, their songs cause the heavens to ring with angelic “Hallelujahs” as onlookers pause to listen. The people of God sing amid the cloud of His presence, trusting that God is among them. The unity of fellowship and joy in their worship and praise makes them aware that the cloud of God’s presence fills the air. Though unseen, they are aware of His presence when they gather, knowing that God hears everything that comes from our hearts to Him at the mercy seat.
When we gather, there is a sense of the Lord’s presence among his people. I am not sure everyone realizes the blessing we share at such a time. Hopefully, my thoughts and words will be acceptable to God and will be a blessing to those who attend. May we all be assured that the Lord is in our midst. May we give Him the reverence due to the One who is God Most High, dwelling in the light of absolute holiness.