TOPIC – BEFORE FIRE COMES DOWN…
Read: 2 Chronicles 7:1-4
2 Chronicles 7:1-4 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.
And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.
And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.
MEMORISE:
I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart (Psalms 40:8)
EXPOSITION
God desires that man has a good relationship with Him, more than what we think we could offer Him as offerings and sacrifices. Before He looks at our offerings, our hearts must have been opened to Him. The Lord saw nothing satisfactory in the various offerings of the ceremonial law, as well as those pouring out the blood.
He cares not for the flesh of bulls or goats, the monies, materials, or our services, if we have not ensured a steady communion with Him.
Solomon had just finished praying to God when fire came down. This is God’s presence attending to Solomon. It is not enough to stand in the temple before the Lord. Who we are, what we do, and our motives are more important to Him, and these tell of what kind of response we get from Him.
Nadab and Abihu were before the Lord. Yet, God killed them (Lev. 10:1ff). The 7 sons of Sceva called the name of Jesus, but were devoured, because God didn’t know them, and therefore couldn’t answer them (Acts 19:13-16).
Normally, God will surely come down to us, if we sincerely and properly call upon Him in prayers, His Word and righteous living. The harpist in 2 Kgs. 3:15 would not be anyhow harpist.
Can you imagine unconverted and uncircumcised instrumentalists coming to demonstrate their skills before the Holy God. His personality was important to bringing God’s hand down for His people’s blessings. The disciples sincerely waited for the promise, and when He came, He was a great blessing to them and others.
It is high time the church sought Him in spirit and truth, else we may just be making empty noises. So before fire will come down, you must have been personally ignited. Get some fire of the Lord, today!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to prioritise You alright over and above anything I offer You.
2. Lord Jesus, take me to the realm of glory, far above powers and principalities.
3. Father, cause believers in Christ and their leaders to first wait on You as the people wait for them.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Nehemiah 10:12 – 11:35; Acts 15:37 – 16:17
