June 13, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Kings 8 - It has always been rewarding to me to see when the Ark of the Covenant was moved.  And this is especially true in this chapter as the Ark is placed in the Holiest of Holies in the new Temple built for the Lord.  Once the Ark was placed there it would never have to be moved again.  This was to be a permanent place in the presence of God.  When the Ark was in place then the glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that the priests couldn't minister there.  They had to leave.  Solomon took this as an opportunity to preach to Israel and his message can be read in about a minute's time!  But then he prayed and he recognized the importance of God's people praying and directing their prayers to the Temple as the place of God's presence.  We pray at the Throne of Grace where God dwells.

2 Chronicles 5 - This is the account of Solomon gathering the people together and the priests took up the Ark of the Covenant and moved it into the Temple.  Solomon and all the congregation of Israel would sacrifice so many animals in worship and praise of God that they lost track of just how many animals were presented to the Lord!  There was a massive celebration complete with instruments and choral singing.  It must have sounded glorious.  And once again, the glory of the Lord so filled the temple that the priests could not stay inside.  This was an awesome experience for the people of God to witness!