I Need Jesus

When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord. [1 Kings 8.10-11]

Here in 1 Kings 8 and also in 2 Chronicles 5 we are told about a thick cloud - the glory of the LORD - filling the Temple. This glory cloud was of such a phenomenon to prevent anyone from doing anything. It was real. It was tangible. It was the LORD. 

It was no random event!

To fully understand this presence of the LORD, we must back up just a bit to a phrase just before: There, before the Ark, King Solomon and the entire community of Israel sacrificed so many sheep, goats, and cattle that no one could keep count! [1 Kings 8.5]

This is significant because God is not showing up where sin is present! The only propitiation for sin at the time was the shedding of blood through animal sacrifices.

With this in mind, it stands to reason that, in New Testament times, in order to experience the presence of the LORD, we must offer Jesus to God for our sin in similar fashion to what Israel did in offering countless sacrifices to God! Remember, the presence of sin equals no presence of God!

In Solomon's prayers following this phenominal manifestation of God's presence, modern believers can effectively replace "the Temple" with "Jesus" throughout the discourse...

If someone wrongs another person and is required to take an oath of innocence in front of your altar in this Temple, then hear from heaven and judge between your servants—the accuser and the accused. Punish the guilty as they deserve. Acquit the innocent because of their innocence. [1 Kings 8.31-32]

Now, here would be the New Testament version of this same verse: If someone wrongs another person and is required to take an oath of innocence in Jesus' name, then hear from heaven and judge between your servants—the accuser and the accused. Punish the guilty as they deserve. Acquit the innocent because of their innocence.

Here also is 1 Kings 8.33-34: If your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you, and if they turn to you and acknowledge your name and pray to you here in this Temple [now, in the name of Jesus], then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and return them to this land you gave their ancestors.

Here's the deal: there remains action on our part for the forgiveness of sin! Yes, Jesus paid it all, but now WE MUST TURN TO JESUS as Solomon indicated that Israel (or even foreigners!) must turn to the Temple!

If we are to realize God's manifest presence among us, we will only do so to the extent we press in to God through Jesus! There simply is no other way. The countless sacrifices of sheep, goats, and cattle translates today to real and active faith in Jesus!

What if we today see little to no manifest presence of God because of our lack of faith in Jesus? I for one, believe it is worth prayerful consideration!

Father, it is so easy to move away from Jesus. Please forgtive me. I need Jesus. I need Jesus. I need Jesus.