glory of the Lord – Be Still…

Ezekiel 10:1-22 – The Glory of the LORD

Read Daniel 10:1-22

In our last reading, Ezekiel spoke of the glory of the LORD being on the move when he wrote, “Then the glory of the God of Israel rose up from between the cherubim, where it had rested, and moved to the entrance of the Temple.” At that point, the glory of the LORD had not left completely. We read those same words in this reading, but God doesn’t stop at the door.

If you recognize the descriptions given of these cherubim, you have a good memory. Ezekiel has seen these cherubim or heavenly beings before in his first vision. Their appearance is totally unforgettable. What was the most striking feature for you? Continue reading “Ezekiel 10:1-22 – The Glory of the LORD”

2 Chronicles 5:2-14 – The Ark Arrives

Read 2 Chronicles 5:2-14

It’s passages like this that make even my heart sing! The palpability of worship truly inspires. We know moving the Ark of the Covenant is serious business to be done in just the right way prescribed by God. Rather than fear, the people rejoiced.

With the temple construction complete, it was time to move God’s presence back in. Only after the arrival of the Ark could the temple be truly finished. The work King David had initiated was fulfilled. In readings to follow, Solomon will pray and dedicate the space. For now, we’ll focus on worship!

Advent 🕯 Isaiah 9:1-2 -Hope

Read Isaiah 9:1-2

Our Advent preparations are heading into the home stretch. It’s time to take a deep breath and prepare for the final frantic moments yet to come. Why do we try to pack so much into such a short period of time? There’s traveling, cookie baking, card sending, concert attending, rehearsing, decorating, wrapping gifts, carol singing–I’ve got to be forgetting something! Yes — hoping in Christ!

Isaiah’s prophecy speaks loudly to us as well. We can surely identify with living in a “time of darkness and despair,” too. Anytime God is absent from a conversation or a decision or an event, the potential for darkness exists. Isaiah’s message brings hope to those living in darkness when he says, “will not go on forever.”

1 Kings 8:1-13 – In the Presence of the Ark

Read 1 Kings 8:1-13

In Chapter 8, we hit a high point of what has been building, not just the temple itself but the anticipation of having a temple. Solomon was anticipating how the temple would be used to honor God while being an honorable place for God to reside with the people. Of course, the Ark would need to be transported!

As we read this chapter, keep in mind how it sets up a great reminder for us in how we understand the whole book! You might want to return often to remember the “roots” Solomon established, or attempted to establish. The intentions for the temple were honorable, respectful, and showed King Solomon wanted to not only please God but also shine on the legacy left by his father, King David.