DEDICATION AND CONFIRMATION. 2nd Chronicles 7 God’s Presence. We read of fire falling from heaven four times in the Old Testament. It happened during the dedication of the Tabernacle when the first offerings were placed on the bronze altar. Then, when David dedicated the land where the temple would be built, he built an altar and offered sacrifices that were ignited from heaven. This was the third time. The fourth occurrence was when Elijah prayed on Mount Carmel for fire to come from heaven; it consumed the offerings, the stones used in the altar, and the water in the trench around it.
Fire from heaven was pure and came from no earthly source, unlike fire that comes from dead or decaying things. Holy fire from God made the offerings holy, which was why fire kept burning continuously on the altar. The glory of the Lord filled the temple like a cloud, but when fire came down from heaven, the Lord's glory was also seen above the temple. This reminds us that the holy fire and a holy cloud were above the Tabernacle in the wilderness, which impressed and assured the Israelites that God was in their midst.
When we realize we are in the presence of the Lord, awe, reverence, humility, and worship arise as we feel we are on “holy ground.” Just as the temple was set apart and dedicated to God, the dispensational church, the local assemblies, and the bodies of believers are referred to in the New Testament as the “temple of God.” In our personal, corporate, and public lives as Christians, we are expected to be committed to fulfilling God’s purposes for us.
At any large gathering, people often have very different opinions about what happened because it affects them in various ways. The entire congregation of Israel was standing before the temple, each person probably trying to find the best spot to see what was happening. Solomon climbed a platform so he could be seen as he prayed. Priests had moved out of the temple because they couldn't see to do their work due to the cloud of God's glory. Beyond the platform where Solomon finished his prayer, beyond the altar where many sacrifices were waiting to be offered, the magnificent temple was shining in its new splendor.
As Solomon finished praying with the words, "O Lord God, turn not away the face of Thine anointed: remember the mercies of Thy servant David," fire fell from heaven, and the sacrifices all caught fire. No one would have a different account of that moment. Everyone in that large crowd fell down in reverence and fear before the clear, visible proof of God in the fire and the cloud.
When the returned exiles from Babylon read these words, they might have related to ancient Israel when they left their captivity in Egypt. The fire and cloud of God's presence were with them in the wilderness. The same Lord God had been with His people hundreds of years later when Solomon was king. Their return, based on God's promise, would have given them hope that God would be with them too, even though they only saw ruins around them.
We also live in morally and spiritually dark times today, but when we walk and live by faith, we have the assurance of God's presence with us. We don't need visible signs like fire and clouds to know He is with us. We have the unshakeable promise of His Word: "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."
A fire from heaven ignited a perpetual flame on that altar, which would have reassured the people that God approved of the sacrifices the fire consumed. The cloud filling the temple would have served as God's immediate, public confirmation that He approved of the temple and had taken residence there with His people. There was no doubt about the most important event of that day. The temple, along with its physical grandeur, the sacrifices, the order in which they were offered, and the kneeling king with his prayer, were significant features of the dedication day. But among all the impressive moments, the one that would have left a lasting impression on the people's minds was the fire descending from heaven, consuming the offerings and sacrifices, the continual flame burning there, and the sight of the impenetrable cloud filling the temple, and above the temple.
To dedicate something means to set apart a place, object, or person for a particular, and usually critical, purpose. Dedication is not a mere form, but an action that continues until the purpose for which it has been dedicated is accomplished. We must be committed to God’s will and always be submissive to that purpose. When we are genuinely aware of the Lord’s presence among us, everything else fades into insignificance as we bow our hearts and heads before our Lord God, worshiping and praising Him. The felt presence of God unites His people in a way that no ceremony, religious practice, or traditional man-made gathering can.
The thousands of sacrifices might have seemed like an extravagant waste of property when the animals were brought. Still, when they were burned by holy fire, in a sacred place, before a holy God, people would understand the serious nature of sin and the high cost of forgiveness and become dedicated people set apart for God. "All the children of Israel" saw the fire and the glory of the Lord, and everyone praised Him together—"For He is good; for His mercy endures forever." "The king and all the people" offered sacrifices. "The king and all the people" dedicated the temple of God. The king and "all Israel" kept the feast of the Lord for seven days and gathered as one large assembly on the eighth day before returning home.
Miracles do happen, but they do not necessarily prove to unbelievers that God exists as a living Person. Sensing God's presence, believing in Him, and even seeing and knowing what He does are not the same as truly believing in Him. Despite the miracles God performed for His people in the Old Testament, the Israelites often turned away from Him to worship idols. When the Lord Jesus Christ was here on earth, “in fashion as a man,” He performed many miracles, yet they did not persuade everyone that He was the promised Messiah. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
God commands worship. The first four of the Ten Commandments instructed the Israelites to worship only the one true God. Anything or anyone else was never to have the place of lordship over them. That would be disobedience and a form of replacing Him, which is the most serious kind of sin and can bring the “wrath of God on the children of disobedience.” The day is coming when “Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Another reason to worship only God is that He is worthy of worship. We owe Him our worship and service because of His goodness, mercy, holiness, authority, and power. He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. He made us, sustains us, and “In Him we live and move, and have our being.” We were made to worship; everyone worships something. The worship of “things” or people never truly satisfies. When we “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” we will find joyful fulfillment right here on earth. Our hearts will be content, and the purpose of our lives will be fulfilled. Worship and service to God give us a reason to live, a sense of accomplishment, inward joy, an optimistic outlook despite dark times, and a confident assurance as we face the future.
The great number of sacrifices provided food for fellowship at the seven-day feast. There was plenty of time to share in good fellowship with people from all parts of the nation. Gladness and joy were among them as they considered all God had done for David, Solomon, and the nation. The hearts of the Israelites were full as they went to their homes and resumed their everyday lives.
United thanksgiving to God for all His goodness and mercy toward us, gives us the joy of the Lord and fellowship with His people, providing a reason to come together on special occasions. Conferences and special times of celebration, motivated by our “common salvation” and “common faith,” serve as a testimony to each attendee and those observing from afar. Grateful hearts, expressions of gratitude, and united praise create a unique joy that cannot be found in worldly systems.
There is a special, sanctifying effect on God's people when we come together in fellowship, during which we are instructed, comforted, and challenged by God's word. Often, at the end of a Christian conference, a prayer includes words similar to those about the wise men who left the presence of the child Jesus: "They departed into their own country another way." Returning home "merry (joyful) and glad in heart for the goodness the Lord showed" helps us sustain spiritual strength and testimony for many days. No wonder we are instructed to "not forsake the assembling of yourselves together." The benefits positively impact us and others.
Several years had passed since Solomon prayed before the people at the temple's dedication. He had been Israel’s king for over twenty years and still guided God's people as the Lord intended. However, it’s easy to become accustomed to God's glory and the wonders of fellowship with Him and His people. Solomon's decline did not begin until after this encounter with the Lord, possibly a theophany. God knows everyone's heart and chooses His own timing to answer Solomon's prayer. If we're not careful, we might expect God to answer our prayers on our schedule, similar to expecting a reply to an email or text. In His infinite wisdom, God does things "in His time."
God Speaks Solomon was halfway through his reign when the temple was finished. At that high point, the Lord again spoke to Solomon and referenced his prayer. God’s response is the most well-known verse [14] in 2nd Chronicles and is directly connected to the covenant promises made hundreds of years earlier. Obedience to God brings blessings from God. Rebellion against God will bring curses. When they sin and sincerely repent of that sin, God hears their prayer and remains true to the covenant.
God hears sincere, open, and honest prayers. When we sin, forgiveness follows confession, and we humble ourselves before Him. Then, when we pray, we receive forgiveness and can seek God’s face continually. We must turn away from any behavior that has broken fellowship with Him, and He has mercy and hears us.
In this nighttime meeting with Solomon, the Lord reaffirmed the covenant He had made with Israel and David. He outlines and confirms the provisions for His people to return to covenant practices after they sin. He knows us well. He remembers we are but dust. Yet, He has set His love upon His people and, in grace, offers "a way back to God from the dark paths of sin." Sin has consequences we can expect, and restoration requires meeting certain conditions. There must be an honest self-assessment before a holy God and a truthful recognition of sin. Throughout all ages, God's dealings with humanity remain consistent when it comes to sin: "The wages of sin is death (separation from God)."
God hears the prayers of His people, no matter their type—from adoration to confession. He has a special place where we can meet Him and where He chooses to dwell with His people. At that throne of grace, He accepts their sacrifices of praise, worship, thanksgiving, and all the offerings His people present today. We can offer "Acceptable sacrifices" to our High Priest [Heb. 8:3], including the sacrifice of a consecrated body [Rom. 12:1], the sacrifice of audible praise [Heb. 13:15], and the sacrifice of our temporal goods [Heb. 13:16]. There are also sacrifices of gifts for the Lord's servants [Phil. 4:8], of thanksgiving to God [Ps. 107:22], and the sacrifice of joy for God's mercies [Ps. 27:6]. The sacrifices of contrition [Ps. 51:7], of righteousness before the watching world [Ps. 4:5], and of oneself physically [2 Tim. 4:6] are all highly significant. The sacrifice of obedience [1 Sam. 15:22], because of the One who is our Lord, stands above the rest.
The consequences of sin become clear when we allow it into our lives. When there is a dearth in the land, there's a reason. When our hearts feel dry, something is missing. If we refuse to obey God's Word and live by His standards, we should pause and face our guilt. True repentance requires humbling ourselves and confessing our sins. There is no pride in a genuine confession. When we seek God's forgiveness, we pray in faith.
There is no room for false, pious, insincere words in the prayer of faith and repentance. Earnest, urgent seeking of God's face without distraction reflects the reality behind our actions. We must find Him! That happens when we seek Him "with all [our] heart." Turning from sinful behavior through half-hearted changes does not mean turning from "wicked ways." A complete rejection of sin leaves no room for compromise with the world, the flesh, or the devil.
Conditions must be fulfilled for the fellowship of the covenant to be renewed. We must dedicate ourselves to walking before God and obeying all He commands. There is hope after sin. Reconciliation is possible after separation. Promises are given with choices. Disobedience leads to obedience. Humble repentance brings the promised forgiveness of sin. Restoration to fellowship with the Lord follows repentance. Healing from the effects of sin also follows repentance. This is truly evidence of God's grace given when needed. Avoiding or rejecting what God has decreed and commanded results in His people being uprooted from their established places. They will be rejected by Him no matter how grand and glorious their "temple" appears. It will be mocked for what it has become, not for what it once was. Such a disaster occurs when His people turn away from the Lord and His word. The reason for God's divine favor upon Israel was His covenant with David, their ancestor, who, despite his sins and failures, never allowed a rival to God. He faltered greatly but never turned to idolatry. Nations, leaders, and individuals must have an attitude of openness and honesty before God if they want God’s blessings. In this message from God to Solomon, He clearly stated what He expected from him as the leader of His people. Failing to follow God would cause him and the nation to suffer and be rejected by God. Even the temple, with all its grandeur, would become an object of disgrace. The serious consequences of idolatry cannot be emphasized enough. Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts is an idol. If we permit anything or anyone to challenge our loyalty to God, we have strayed from Him and are moving toward moral decline and spiritual drifting, which can result in disaster for an individual, a congregation, or a nation. The praise at the beginning of the chapter does not cancel out the warnings given at the end. My People. These are not just ordinary people – they are “MY PEOPLE." They are not merely patriots, though this nation has survived on the blood of patriots. They are not just citizens – honorable, tax-paying, hard-working citizens. These are “MY PEOPLE," says God. There are ways to identify these people beyond being “MY PEOPLE." They are followers of Christ, so “Christians” are “MY PEOPLE." They trust the Word of God by faith, so “believers” are “MY PEOPLE." They have been set apart unto the Lord – so “saints” are “MY PEOPLE." They fellowship with others with the same faith in God, so “brethren” are “MY PEOPLE." They follow the same Master – so “disciples” are “MY PEOPLE." They all share a common bond, even if they don’t know each other personally. They are headed to the same destination, although some are already there, while others are yet to be born.
But there is a tendency to pride—pride in their accomplishments within the family. And to such people, the Lord says, “Humble yourselves.” There is a tendency to act without first seeking guidance. And to such people, the Lord says, “Pray.” We often want to do our own thing without turning to God. And to such people, the Lord says, “Seek My face.” We tend to move forward, doing what we know is wrong. And to such people, the Lord says, “Turn from their wicked ways.”
When these things happen, the Lord says, "I will hear from heaven." When genuine and sincere repentance occurs, the Lord says, "I will forgive their sins." When appropriate actions follow words, the Lord says, “I will heal their land." This restoration is possible because God calls us, “MY PEOPLE.”
I pray, Father, on behalf of myself and my people, who are down on our knees here. There is nothing lower that we can go. The aged, the sick, and the discouraged are genuinely hurting. If there are wicked ways within us, please reveal them. We want to know Thou art with us, even though we are so weak. Help us, we pray, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.