Cloud of HIs Presence

 Cloud of His Presence

November 21, 2024

2 Chronicles 5:11-14 (NASB95) 

11When the priests came forth from the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without regard to divisions), 12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets 13 in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying,  “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

The dedication of Solomon’s temple is one of the best examples of pure worship in the Bible. You have 120 priests blowing trumpets along with uncounted other musicians with trumpets, symbols and lyres and many singers making themselves heard with one voice praising the Lord. Now that was a worship service to remember! The chorus that they sang was “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” Now this was spectacular enough, but the Lord’s response was even more wonderful. The presence of the Lord filled the temple with a visible cloud and HIs manifold presence was so heavy that the priests could not stand.

There have only been a few times in my life when the Lord’s manifold presence was so heavy that no one could stand. One time was at a revival meeting in Florida where there were hundreds of people. When the Lord’s presence came into the congregation no one could stand or make a sound, but we could still hear the sound of angels singing! In fact, there were even people prostrate on the lawn in such numbers that the neighbors called 911 thinking there was a gas leak or other disaster at the church. A manifestation like that is not one that you ever forget. In fact, the declaration of the evangelist at that meeting was “Never the same!”.

Such physical manifestations of the presence of God are rare. It’s only recorded one time for Solomon, but seeking His presence is something that we need to do every day. Most of the time the Lord speaks like he did to Elijah in a “still small voice.” But He does speak, and He is present, even if we don’t see the cloud and hear the angels sing. So find a quiet spot and seek the Lord. Meditate on His Word and listen for His voice. The chorus from Solomon’s temple is always appropriate to sing, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” and His presence is with us, even when we don’t see the cloud.