Entertaining the Presence Part 2 (1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5)
1. Response: God was responding to their preparation, sacrifice, praise, worship and honor.
2. Prophetic vision of the NT era: What God will do in the next era after the Temple.
• This scene happens at the inauguration of the Temple
• Yet God steps in, and by His presence gives them a prophetic vision of how things will look in a coming era.
Verse 11 It says the priests could not perform their duties. In the NT there will no longer be priests
• Jesus becomes our high priest and we become the priesthood of all believers
• If they could not perform their duties there were no sacrifices being performed
o In the NT era Jesus becomes the once and for all sacrifice
• There is no longer a separation between God and the people
o The presence of God is available to all people who would call on Jesus
• Here in 1 Kings the only thing left for the priests and the people to do is worship
• What does this mean for us today and how does this help host us the presence?
o First, Jesus Christ takes the place of the Temple and priests
We don’t look to a geographic location (Temple) or a man (priest.)
o Second, the presence is now through the Holy Spirit
The presence is with us and in us.
o Third, this scene in 1 Kings 8 shows us what is possible
How much more can He come now because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit
3. God was making a Statement to the people: I am with you!
• God was speaking to the people of this day with his presence, with this appearance.
• 1 Kings 6:11-13 God had told Solomon if you do things right, if you follow my ways, if you obey my commands, that He would keep His promises.
• His appearance here is confirmation that the people have done well so far.
• By filling the Temple with His glory, the Lord says, I am here, I have not left you, I will lead you.
• This is also part of the answer as to why this level of God’s presence is important.
o God was showing how He would lead them if the people would follow His ways and honor Him.
So what does this mean for us today?
• Remember God told Solomon follow my ways and I will be with you. It’s the same for us today.
o Think of Micah 6:8
Why wasn’t this level of presence sustained here? Why was it just for a moment?
• It was in part because they quickly followed other gods.
• It was also partly because it was before the cross and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
So how do we get sustained presence?
• For us the key is to remain hungry, thankful, and obedient.
