This chapter describes bringing the ark of the covenant into the newly completed temple.
“And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions…), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord… the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” (v11-14 abr)
The Levites bring the ark into the most holy place, the inner chamber of the temple. Hundreds of Levitical singers and musicians were present to raise a joyful noise of resounding praise to God. As this was happening, and the priests left the inner chamber, God’s presence fills the temple with a cloud so thick the priests could not see.
Have you ever wanted to experience the presence of God, but have struggled to do so? I know I have. Thankfully, this chapter contains some tips for experiencing His presence. Here are some of the steps Israel took:
– they consecrated themselves: they prepared their hearts and bodies for God’s service, through cleansing (eg. sin sacrifices and washing), and donning their finest clothes to symbolize their cleanness and consecration
– they honored and obeyed God: they followed God’s instructions to the letter in the temple’s construction, their roles, and the placement of the ark
– they praised and worshiped God: not only did they worship in their hearts, they worshiped publicly in plain view of everyone else by singing, playing instruments and likely even dancing
Only after Israel took these critical steps did God’s presence come among them.
I encourage each of us to use this model in our relationship with God. We cannot do this too frequently:
– confess our sins
– prepare our hearts, minds and bodies for His service
– honor and obey that which we already know He has commanded (His word)
– praise His holy name with our words and actions, likely so that others would know the intentions of our hearts as well
– wait in anticipation for His Holy Spirit to fill/refill us
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chr 16:11) “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” (Pro 8:17) “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13)
Father God, our Lord and King, You are holy and magnificent beyond compare. We praise Your holy name. We confess our sins, and ask for Your mercy upon us. Please graciously forgive us, and continually refine our hearts into purer gold, so Your Spirit would be welcomed here. We ask for Your steadfast loving presence to fill our hearts, pushing any selfishness and sin away, so only You remain. May You be our sole source of wisdom, discernment and strength, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training