The house of the Lord, of which Solomon was told to build, was where God dwelled for many years. Even the children of Israel saw this first hand at the end of its magnificent construction, and it must have shocked them It is recorded that 1“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. hen the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 7:1-4) Isn’t this so amazing? What God desires, He will surely be there also. This is if people go through with God’s plans. If they do not, then a good thing that God willed upon the land is wasted because of people’s selfish ways and being doubtful of their spiritual gifts. However, God’s presence is made evident for all to see at different times, like this. In this moment, the people could not help but praise the Lord. He is good and His mercy endures forever. They would also soon understand how God is so merciful by what He told Solomon. However, they must realize that God’s house will not always be around, along with His mercy, if the people begin to forsake their God and walk in their wicked ways instead of doing His will.
As God was speaking to Solomon, he gave him a stern warning about his life and this temple, which was built unto the Lord. Here is a portion of what was said, 1“and as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.” (2 Chronicles 7:17-22) This warning is real, and the people would need to take this to heart, lest God’s wrath would fall down upon the people, instead of His mercy and kindness. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by the people of Babylon in 2 Kings 25, because the people of Israel forsook God and went after other gods.
It was in the evening when God spoke those words to Solomon. He also told him something else that is very important for each believer in Christ. This should be taken to heart. It is recorded that 1“the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:12:15) Did you get what was said? God will send pestilences, like the coronavirus upon the earth if people begin to walk in their own ways and forget God. This virus outbreak is simply a warning from God, like he warned the people with in Israel, as well. As for us now, it means that God is not happy and His wrath is upon the wicked. So what does He ask of everyone? It is for people to do four things. #1 Humble yourself before God. #2 Pray to God. #3 Seek God’s face. And #4 To repent, meaning to turn from their wicked ways. It is then that God will forgive us of our sins and even heal our land. God is waiting for us to do this, and then things will get better. However, if nothing changes, then things will continue to get worse. My friends, Jesus is coming soon. Don’t delay the day of your repentance, but come unto Him today.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for making it known to us how this virus outbreak and other pestilences can be distinguished. The Bible is clear that we must all humble ourselves before You. Then, will people begin to trust in You and pray. Even people will start to seek Your face every day of the week and make You their God. Then, will people forsake their sins and come unto You fully. Lord, please make this known to all people throughout the world. People are very fearful of the coronavirus when there is a cure in plain sight. Do people not know that You are more powerful than all things? Do they not know that You can cause pestilences to fall upon the people, because of the wickedness of this land, and also remove it? Unfortunately, I know that we are in the last days and that You are coming soon. So I pray that Christians from around the world will come together and do these four things, as You have stated. Which is to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and to turn from our wicked ways. As people do this, they will see Your hand in their lives. The wicked may continue to be fearful, but as believers, we will continue to be glad, even in these dark times. People may be staying home right now because of the warnings from our local governors, presidents, kings, and magistrates, but while they have this time off, it would be great if they would begin to do as You have said to us. As for me, I will continue to serve You, Lord. Wherever You will call me, I will go and serve You. I will not stand down, for You are my strength. I am shielded as I go out and do Your work that You have set before me. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
It was really touching my heart how you have preached repentance. I am a Christian, living in Germany, have on my heart to preach.