2nd Chronicles 7 CONFIRMATION At any large gathering of people there are very differing opinions of things that happened because it affects people in different ways. The whole congregation of Israel was standing before the temple, each one likely seeking a good position where they could best see what was going on. Solomon mounted a scaffold or platform from which he could be seen as he prayed. Priests had moved out of the temple because they could not see to do their work because of the cloud of God's glory. Beyond the platform where Solomon was finishing 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 were all set aflame. Not one would have had a different description of that moment. Everyone in that huge company fell down in reverence and fear before the obvious, visible evidence of God in the fire and in the cloud.
The returned exiles from Babylon, when they read these words may have been able to identify with ancient Israel when they left their captivity in Egypt. The fire and the cloud of God's presence was with them in the wilderness. Now the same Lord God had been in the presence of His people hundreds of years later when Solomon was king. Their return by the promise of God would have brought them the hope that God would be with them also even though they had only ruins around them. We too, in this present day live in morally and spiritually dark days, but when we live and walk by faith, we also have the assurance of the presence of God with us. We do not need visible evidence of the fire and cloud to assure us that He is with us. We have the unfailing promise of His word, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."
Fire from heaven set a perpetual flame on that altar which would have given confidence to the people that God approved of the sacrifices which the fire consumed. The cloud that filled the temple would have been God's public, immediate answer that He approved of the temple and had moved in there to dwell with His people. There was no question as to what was the most important thing that took place that day. The temple and all its physical glory, the sacrifices and the order in which they were placed, the kneeling king - his prayer - these were all important features of that day of dedication. But of all the impressive events that happened, that which would have been indelibly implanted on the minds of the people would have been the fire which fell from heaven and consumed the offerings and sacrifices and the flame that continued to burn there, and also the sight of the impenetrable cloud which filled the temple.
When we are truly conscious of the presence of the Lord among us, all else fades into insignificance as we bow our hearts and heads before our Lord God and worship and praise Him. The thousands of sacrifices may have seemed an extravagant waste of property when the animals were brought, but when they were burned by holy fire, in a holy place, before a holy God - then people would realize the awful seriousness of sin, the great price of forgiveness and become a holy people set apart for God.
The felt presence of God unifies His people in a way that no ceremony, religious practice or traditional manmade convocation can. "All the children of Israel" saw the fire and the glory of the Lord, and all praised Him together - "For He is good; for His mercy endureth 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 came together as one big assembly on the eighth day before they left for their homes. There is a unique, sanctifying effect on the people of God when we come together in fellowship with each other and at that time are instructed, comforted and challenged by the word of God presented to us. Often at the end of a conference of Christians, a prayer includes words similar to that which we read about the wise men who left the presence of the child Jesus. "They departed into their own country another way." To return home "merry (joyful) and glad in heart for the goodness the Lord showed," helps us to maintain a spiritual strength and testimony for many days. No wonder we are to "not forsake the assembling of yourselves together." The benefits have a positive effect on us and on others.
Several years had passed since Solomon had prayed before the people at the dedication of the temple. He had reigned as king for over twenty years and was still ruling the Lord's people in the way the Lord intended. But it seems possible to get used to the glory of the Lord and the wonders of fellowship with God and His people. Solomon's departure did not start its downward course until after this meeting with the Lord - perhaps this was a theophany. God knows the heart of every man and chose His own time to respond to Solomon's prayer. If we are not careful, we too will expect God to answer our prayers in the time-frame of our choosing similar to our expected answer to an email or a text message. In His infinite wisdom God does things "in His time."
In this nighttime meeting with Solomon, the Lord confirmed the covenant He had made with Israel and with David. He describes and establishes the provisions for His people to return to covenant practices when they sin. He knows us. He remembers we are but dust. Yet He has set His love upon His people and in grace provides "a way back to God from the dark paths of sin." Sin has consequences to expect, and restoration has conditions to be met. There has to be an honest evaluation of ourselves before a holy God, and an honest evaluation of sin. In all ages of God's dealing with human beings are the same when it comes to sin: "The wages of sin is death (separation from God)."
God does hear the prayers of His people of whatever kind they are - from adoration to confession. God does have a place where we can meet Him and in which He chooses to dwell with His people. At that throne of grace, He accepts their sacrifices of praise, worship, thanksgiving and all the sacrifices and offerings His people bring today. "Acceptable sacrifices" that we can bring to our High Priest [Heb.8:3] include 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 the sacrifices of gifts to 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]; of one's self physically [2Tim.4:6] are all of great significance. The sacrifice of obedience [1Sam.15:22] stands out above the others because of the One who is our Lord.
The consequences of sin are to be expected when we choose to allow it a place in our lives. When there is dearth in the land there is a cause. When there is dryness in our hearts something is missing. If we are unwilling to obey God's word and walk in ways according to His standards, then we must stop and face our guilt. True repentance means we humble ourselves and confess our sins. There is no pride when confession of sin is real. Our prayer to God is in faith when we seek forgiveness. There is no place for false, pious, unfelt words in the prayer of faith and repentance. Earnest, urgent seeking of the face of God without distraction indicates the reality behind our actions. We must find Him! That happens when we seek for Him "with all [our] heart." Turning from sinful behavior by half-hearted changes is not what turning from "wicked ways" means. A complete rejection of that which is sinful allows for no compromise with the world, the flesh and the devil.
There are conditions to meet for the fellowship of the covenant to be renewed. We must commit ourselves to walk before God and to do all He commands. There is hope after sinning. Reconciliation is possible after separation. There are promises given with options. Disobedience gives way to obedience. Humble repentance brings promised forgiveness of sin. Restoration to fellowship with the Lord follows repentance. Healing from that which suffers the effects of sin follows repentance for sin. This is indeed the evidence of the grace of God given when grace is needed.
To ignore and/or reject that which God has decreed and commanded, results in the people of God being uprooted from where He has placed them. They will be rejected by Him no matter how majestic and glorious their "temple" may be. It will be ridiculed for what it has become rather than what it was once was. Such disaster accompanies the forsaking of the Lord and His word by His people. The reason behind God's divine favor upon Israel was because of His covenant with David, their forefather who in spite of his own sin and failures, never allowed a rival to God. He failed miserably but never turned to idolatry.
The serious consequences of idolatry cannot be overemphasized. Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts is an idol. If we allow anything or anybody to rival our allegiance to God, we have taken steps away from God and moved toward moral decay and spiritual departure that will end in disaster to an individual, an assembly or a nation. The glory of the beginning of the chapter does not take away the warnings referred to at the end of the chapter.
2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people. which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
MY PEOPLE. These are not just plain, old, ordinary people – they are “MY PEOPLE.” These are not just patriots – though this nation has survived on the blood of patriots. These are not just citizens – honorable, taxpaying, hard-working citizens. These are “MY PEOPLE”, says God.
There are ways to distinguish these people – beside “MY PEOPLE.” They are followers of Christ – so “Christians” are “MY PEOPLE.” They have trusted the Word of God by faith – so “believers” are “MY PEOPLE.” They have been separated unto the Lord – so “saints” are “MY PEOPLE.”
They have others that fellowship in the same way with God – so “brethren” are “MY PEOPLE.” They choose to follow the same Master – so “disciples” are “MY PEOPLE.” They all have a common bond though they don’t know each other. They are going to the same place, though some are already there and others are not yet born.
But there is a tendency to pride – pride of their accomplishments in the family. And to such – the Lord says – “Humble themselves.” There is a tendency to do things without asking before acting. And to such – the Lord says – “Pray.”
There is a tendency to want to do my own thing, without looking to God. And to such – the Lord says – “seek My face.” There is a tendency to go forward, doing what we know is wrong. And to such – the Lord says – “turn from their wicked ways.”
When these things happen – the Lord says – “will I hear from heaven.” When repentance is obvious and real – the Lord says – “I will forgive their sins.” When appropriate actions follow the words – the Lord says – “I will heal their land.” All this recovery can happen because God calls us – “MY PEOPLE.”
“I do pray Father, on behalf of myself and my people, we are down on our knees here. There is not much lower that we can go. The aged, the sick the discouraged are really hurting. If there are wicked ways in us, please reveal them to us. 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.”