2 Chronicles 5-7

May 11

2 Chronicles 5-7

Solomon completed the construction of the Temple and brought all the furnishings so the temple was completed and ready to be dedicated to the worship of God. Twice the glory of God showed up and so filled the temple that the priest could not do their work because the glory of the Lord filled the temple. God was pleased with what Solomon and the nation of Israel were doing as they focused on their relationship and dependence on God.

Solomon prayed a heartfelt prayer as the temple was dedicated to the Lord. He prayed that when the Israelites messed up, when they turned back to God and prayed toward this temple God would respond to them. God promised to bless them as long as they walked in obedience to Him, but time after time He also reminds them that if they turn away from Him they will face destruction. He also tells them that in the midst of their discipline if they will turn back to Him, He will hear and will forgive and restore them.

God is still God, He has not changed. If we walk in obedience to Him, He will walk with us and take care of us, but if we turn away from Him, we will face the consequences. Paul wrote in Romans "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a, NIV) Sin is rebellion against God. So if we rebel against God the consequence is death, separation from God. But God did not leave us with the death penalty. Just as the Israelites could pray toward the temple and God would hear their pleas, we can pray to Jesus and God hears our prayers. 

The Apostle John wrote; "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, NIV) God is faithful and wants to forgive us our sins. He wants to restore our relationship with Him. In fact the entire verse from Romans Paul wrote; "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, NIV)

There are consequences for our actions. When we rebel against God, He gives us what we think we want; separation from Him. But when we come to our senses and pray to Him, He hears from heaven and will heal our hearts and our land.