“Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.” (1 Ch 5:13b-14 NIV)
2 Chronicles, chapters 2 through 5, record the building of the temple. Solomon was given this calling and responded by securing the best craftsmen and the best materials to build this temple. The description of the temple found in scripture shows it was a magnificent structure. When God calls us to do something, we need to give him the absolute best of everything; materials and effort.
Once the temple was complete, the Levitical priests brought the Ark of the Covenant to the temple and placed it in the Holy of Holies. The priests consecrated themselves, that is they dedicated themselves to the Lord to be holy vessels usable by God for His glory, and they led a time of praise and worship. “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang, ‘He is good; His love endures forever.’” (2 Ch 5:13-14) It was then that God showed up in such a powerful way that all activity had to cease.
If God’s people will answer His call and give their very best, their best resources and their best efforts, then worship and praise God, He will show up. When was the last time you experienced the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit? A power so overwhelming that you could do nothing? When was His presence so great that all you do was be still, and know that He is God? (Psalm 46:10)
Give God your very best. Consecrate yourselves to His work. Come into His presence offering Him praise for He is always worthy of praise. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any unrepentant sin and seek cleansing from this sin through the blood of Christ. Then ask for God to move you into His presence and experience the overwhelming power of our Creator, our Savior, our Lord and our God. You may be so overwhelmed that you can only be still and marvel at the power and majesty of our loving Lord.
