2 Chronicles 5-7; Psalm 121; 1 Timothy 4
2 Chronicles 5-7
During the temple dedication, it was filled with a cloud (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). This signified that God was visibly and directly present among the people of Israel. It was so powerful that the priests could not remain in God's presence, and the people, seeing the glory of the Lord, fell on their faces and worshiped God.
This was a key element of the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai. He promised to be their God and dwell among them. Despite numerous covenant breaches by the Israelites, God continued to dwell among them in the temple until the moment described in the book of Ezekiel, when, due to Israel's profound apostasy, the glory of the Lord departed from the temple.
God personally warned Solomon about this - "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples." (2 Chronicles 7:19-20). The temple was merely a tool to help bring people's hearts into communion with God. Just like any religious practice, it could not and should not become an end in itself.
Psalm 121
Since the temple's establishment in Jerusalem, the Israelites began to associate this place with God's presence. As Jerusalem is situated on a high elevation, pilgrims looked up to it during their journey to the temple. From this place, the dwelling of God, they expected help - "I lift my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2).
Understanding and confessing that the Lord is the source of the help we need in various life circumstances is an important element of the faith of God's children.
1 Timothy 4
In this chapter, the apostle Paul gives several personal pieces of advice and instructions to Timothy regarding his life and ministry:
- Encourage the brothers not to add anything to the Gospel, and you will be a good minister of Christ (1 Timothy 4:1-6).
- Do not waste your time and energy on empty things (idle talk, in our time social media, etc.). Instead, exercise yourself toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-10).
- To avoid being considered too young for ministry, be an example to others in life and ministry (1 Timothy 4:12).
- To be successful in ministry, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:13-16).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://slovo.org/pisma
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grace-songs/id6444182042
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
During the temple dedication, it was filled with a cloud (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). This signified that God was visibly and directly present among the people of Israel. It was so powerful that the priests could not remain in God's presence, and the people, seeing the glory of the Lord, fell on their faces and worshiped God.
This was a key element of the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai. He promised to be their God and dwell among them. Despite numerous covenant breaches by the Israelites, God continued to dwell among them in the temple until the moment described in the book of Ezekiel, when, due to Israel's profound apostasy, the glory of the Lord departed from the temple.
God personally warned Solomon about this - "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples." (2 Chronicles 7:19-20). The temple was merely a tool to help bring people's hearts into communion with God. Just like any religious practice, it could not and should not become an end in itself.
Psalm 121
Since the temple's establishment in Jerusalem, the Israelites began to associate this place with God's presence. As Jerusalem is situated on a high elevation, pilgrims looked up to it during their journey to the temple. From this place, the dwelling of God, they expected help - "I lift my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2).
Understanding and confessing that the Lord is the source of the help we need in various life circumstances is an important element of the faith of God's children.
1 Timothy 4
In this chapter, the apostle Paul gives several personal pieces of advice and instructions to Timothy regarding his life and ministry:
- Encourage the brothers not to add anything to the Gospel, and you will be a good minister of Christ (1 Timothy 4:1-6).
- Do not waste your time and energy on empty things (idle talk, in our time social media, etc.). Instead, exercise yourself toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-10).
- To avoid being considered too young for ministry, be an example to others in life and ministry (1 Timothy 4:12).
- To be successful in ministry, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:13-16).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://slovo.org/pisma
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grace-songs/id6444182042
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
Posted in Reading Bible Together