SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 5
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God. [2 Chronicles 5:13-14]
Today we see God’s glory cloud come over Solomon’s temple.
Solomon’s dream of building a shelter for the presence of God becomes reality – God makes His presence known.
It was terrifying, the priests could not continue their service.
This scene reminds me of the time when God’s glory cloud comes over Jesus.
Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. [Matthew 17:1-6]

Peter, like Solomon, thinks that God’s presence in Jesus needs a man-made shelter.
But by sending His glory cloud over Jesus, God is making a point.
The point is that God’s presence on earth is not mediated through a temple, but through Jesus.
He is the “meeting place” between God and humanity, the “mercy seat”.
In the old covenant this was symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, the golden box flanked by the cherubim angels, where the stone tablets of Moses Law was kept.
But in the new covenant, the temple is fulfilled as is the Law, and we now stand in the presence of the Living God through the person of Jesus Christ.
We are not to listen to Moses, we are to listen to Jesus.
For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. [John 1:17-18].
This was a big day for Solomon, but the temple is not longer the focus of our faith – Jesus is!
The song of the Levites is still relevant, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”But today we sing it because of what God has done in Jesus, not because of what He does in a manmade temple.
We have seen His goodness in the face and person of Jesus – His faithful love endures forever!

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for making the love of God clear to us in how You loved us. Help us to love and listen to You, and honour You as You deserve, the glorious presence of God!