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Will There Be Any Smoke in God’s House?
(1 Kings 8:10~30) ← Shift키를 누르시고 클릭하시면 성경을 보실 수 있습니다.
“Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;
I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.”
(1 Kings 8:12-13 , NIV)
Solomon built a house for God. It was an edifice of breathtaking beauty
and exquisite craftsmanship. It’s dedication culminated
in a holy procession in which priests carried into the temple the ark,
the holy symbol of the presence of God. And then,
in the midst of this holy spectacle, something amazing happened.
The temple filled with smoke, holy smoke, as God Himself took up
residence in His house. Regardless of the gold and silver,
no matter the immaculately carved cedars of Lebanon,
this house would be of little value without smoke.
Solomon worshipped as he witnessed the smoke enter;
years later Ezekiel would weep as he watched it depart.
\r\nIt remains true of our own houses of worship.
Will there be smoke in God’s house? Will His presence be evident when people enter?
If the poor are received, if brethren are loved, if sinners find compassion,
there will be smoke. If those who gather seek purity and humility and integrity
and fidelity, then there will be smoke. If the presence of God dwells
in the holy place of our hearts through His spirit, then there will be smoke.
If not, then the building may be lovely, the worship lively,
but the house remains empty without smoke.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, even as Solomon saw You fill Your temple with the cloud of Your presence,
even as Isaiah watched as You shook and filled Your house with smoke,
may we witness Your presence descend upon us and may we be shaken
and filled with Your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
- DAVID LANGFORD, Lubbock, Texas
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