Filled with His Glory

Today's Through the Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 1 Kings 8:22-61

Abbreviated Reading: 2 Chronicles 6

Have you ever poured your entire self into something and wondered if God would bless the results? In today's reading we come to a place much like that. Here Solomon stands in the newly constructed temple asking the Lord to fill it with His presence. "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain [Him]. How much less a temple." (2 Chr 6:18) 

Solomon's temple was no ordinary building. It has been classified as the "8th wonder of the world". It was the size of about 2 football fields and contained approximately one thirteenth of all the gold that has ever been mined in all of human history. According to today's economy, 77 billion dollars in gold, and 10 billion in silver were used in the construction. That does not even take into consideration the precious stones, the cedars, and the elaborate tapestries used throughout.

Despite the temple's grandeur and magnificence, Solomon realized, this was a building made by human hands and God created the worlds. Man's works cannot compare to His. 

Nevertheless, herein lies the grace and mercy of our King! God answered Solomon's prayer and filled the temple with His presence (2 Chr 7:1). There was to come a time when God would occupy another dwelling place far below His status! God became a man and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). 

Because God humbled Himself and became a man, and for the joy set before Him, endured the cross (Heb 12:2); He now lives and dwells in us! We are now His temple (1 Cor 6:19-20). 

Today, consider Solomon's prayer of dedication and ask the Lord to make it your prayer over your own life, for you are His dwelling place.

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©