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THE TEMPLE DEDICATION

2 Chron. 7:1-22

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (14)

First, fire from heaven (1-10). When Solomon finished his prayer of dedication asking God to hear from heaven whenever his people pray in this temple, God accepted his prayer and confirmed it with fire from heaven. Fire from heaven came down to consume the burnt offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. This was a glorious moment. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt down in worship and praise and gave thanks to the LORD. They affirmed, “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then Solomon offered 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. The priests took positions along with the Levites and they blew their trumpets. 

When do we see again fire that comes down from heaven from the LORD and the glory of the LORD filling the temple? This first temple would eventually be destroyed and the glory of Israel as a nation would fade into history. But when we turn to chapter two of the book of Acts, the fire from heaven comes again upon his people. This time it is a fire that will remain. This time it is the church of God that will remain forever. Our bodies are the temple of the LORD. How glorious it is to be indwelt by the Spirit of God! This is our great privilege as God’s people, the new Israel. Have you thought about your body as the temple of the LORD? I used to despise my body because I felt somehow inferior. But now I know that I am God’s temple. The glory of God fills this temple. The Spirit of God indwells my heart. Praise you Father for giving us your Spirit. May your Holy Spirit fill my temple today and help me to be your instrument. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Second, the LORD appeared to Solomon (11-22). Then after Solomon dedicated the temple and did everything he wanted to do in the temple and in his palace, the LORD appeared to him. He confirmed that he had answered Solomon’s prayer of dedication. He gave him a wonderful promise to claim: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, ¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ¹⁵ Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. ¹⁶ I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”

This is a promise to claim today. If we humble ourselves and pray in repentance, God will hear and heal our land. Now we ask in the name of Jesus. Jesus is our Temple. But the promise remains. God wants to forgive our sins and heal our land. The condition is clear: “humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways.” We must first fulfill this condition to humbly pray and repent our sins and seek God sincerely. Then God will hear and will forgive our sins and will heal this land.  

God added a personal promise for Solomon: “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, ¹⁸ I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.’

We pray for North America. We pray for Chicago. We pray for friends and family. We pray for world mission. We pray for conferences. It is good to pray. But it is even better to humble ourselves and pray and repent and seek God’s face. The chapter continues reminding us that there is blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience. God would reject Israel and this temple if they turned away to follow other gods. Sadly, this is what happened. Israel was uprooted from their land and the temple was eventually destroyed twice over. God’s word of warning was fulfilled (19-22). 

How can I or anyone have God’s blessing? It is only when the condition is met, the condition of humble and repentant prayer and confession of sin and turning away from wickedness. It is only by living a life of obedience to Christ who is Lord of all. Jesus promises us an abundant life (Jn 10:10) but the condition is again our obedient faith. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (Jn 14:21).

Lord, help me to come to you with humble and contrite heart each morning. Bless North America and heal our land. Bless all of our intercessory prayers for your people. Most of all, lead us to be humble and seek you always and live in obedience to your commands. O Lord, fill my temple today with your Holy Spirit.  Bless our family and make us into your house church for your glory. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word: Humble myself, pray, repent and seek God!