Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Kings 8 and Psalm 108

“When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.” 1 Kings 8:10-11.

Can God ever be contained by a building constructed by human hands? Certainly not! Even Solomon acknowledged this in his prayer, saying: “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (v.27) Even so, as the temple was being dedicated, the LORD gave His people a dramatic sign of His presence there as He filled the temple with the cloud of His glory. How awe-inspiring and exciting that must have been to witness!

God seems to have wanted His people to realise that whenever they came to the place of worship to turn their hearts back towards Him, He would meet them in a uniquely powerful way. He wanted them to know that this temple was a sacred space for encountering God in worship.

Our joyful purpose, as human beings, is to worship God. We are created to glorify Him, and to enjoy a deep relationship with Him forever. God has created us for this. Yet, when the presence of God drew near and was made manifest to them in the place of worship, even the priests who were called to lead the worship at the temple were overcome by the holiness and glory of God’s presence. The contrast between the power and purity of God’s presence and their own falleness was too much for them.

LORD, help is to realise and appreciate Your holiness and perfection as we worship You! Holy Spirit help us to turn our hearts back to the Father completely when we worship! And LORD, be gracious to us and allow us the privilege of knowing Your presence in profound ways too. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.