Focus Chapters:
- 1 Kings 8:1-11
- 2 Chronicles 5
- 1 Kings 8:12-21
- 2 Chronicles 6:1-11
- 1 Kings 8:22-53
- 2 Chronicles 6:12-42
Standout Verse(s):
2 Chronicles 5:11 NLT
Then the priests left the Holy Place. All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day. And the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and all their sons and brothers—were dressed in fine linen robes and stood at the east side of the altar playing cymbals, lyres, and harps. They were joined by 120 priests who were playing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words:
“He is good!
His faithful love endures forever!”At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.
Observation (s):
- Whether they were on duty of not, the priests ensures that they were sanctified, worthy to appear before God.
All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day.
- All the Levites who had a role to play in the proceedings played it in unison and to the best of their abilities. Together, they prepared an atmosphere that was worthy of the King.
And the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and all their sons and brothers—were dressed in fine linen robes and stood at the east side of the altar playing cymbals, lyres, and harps. They were joined by 120 priests who were playing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord.
- When the atmosphere was right, God’s presence descended upon the Temple, the place reserved for Him.
At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God
Application:
We don’t treat our earthly leaders like ordinary citizens. We put forward our best. We reserve a specific place for them. We ensure our behaviour and appearances are circumspect. We adhere to protocols and afford our dignitaries all the respect that their offices deserve. This includes doing our best in whichever roles we are assigned to play in any dignitary-related proceedings. We should afford God, Our Ultimate Dignitary, similar courtesies.
At the opening of the Temple, all the priests sanctified themselves, making themselves physically and morally worthy to appear before the King. All the musicians who had a role in the proceedings played their part joyously, on one accord. They created an atmosphere that was worthy of Our King. And when His people showed their respect for Him and honoured Him, the Lord came among them. He descended upon the Temple, the place set apart for Him, in the form of a cloud.
Does God have a specific place in your life? Do you appear before God without any thoughts of your moral or physical appearance? When it comes to playing your role, do you do it to the best of your ability? Are you on time? Do you play your role with a joyous heart, creating an atmosphere worthy of Our King. When we show God, the Ultimate Dignitary, all the courtesies that He deserves, He will descend among us.
