JJ25 #15 – Attentive

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.  (2 Chronicles 7:15-16)

What an occasion for the people of Israel. David had died, but his son completed his wish to have a temple to honour God. The house of the Lord was completed, and everything was in place. This splendid structure gained favour from God, just as He approved of the Tabernacle; He showed His approval by His presence filling the place so that no one could function inside while He filled the place. Not only that, but with the sacrifices laid out, He showed His approval by sending fire to consume it totally. The people knew that they had experienced a close encounter of the divine kind.

What would it be like for gatherings of believers today to experience an unforgettable corporate encounter with God? God is not so much looking for the architectural masterpieces to bedazzle people for Him to approve. This is especially the case considering how His Son is on a project to build something glorious for His Father to dwell in. That building project is about those called out to honour and follow Him. What does it look like for these called-out ones to testify that they have experienced God together?

Something to consider.

Meanwhile, for all the glorious corporate experience that Israel enjoyed at the opening and dedication of the temple, it’s the conversation He will have with Solomon that will reveal so much about His character. What is revealed is the personal contact God loves to have people to reaffirm the nature of the covenant He has with people. What’s revealed in this encounter is confirmation of God’s approval a d acclaim for the building made in his name. Yet He’s very clear on the conditions in which that temple will remain what it is.

Before He highlights those conditions, it’s also good to enjoy how God is keen to maintain relations with those He’s called. This is seen in the statement He makes that He will pay attention to the prayers of the people in that place. His place is set up so that people who wish to engage with Him will find Him ready to listen and respond. This arrangement expresses His ongoing desire to engage in ongoing dialogue with those He’s created. Part of the purpose of setting aside space specifically for Him is to highlight it as a third place where He can develop the relationship. God want to relate and engage. God wants to hear about the problems and the struggles. He wants to hear it on a one-to-one, and He wants to hear it from the people as a whole. As they have dedicated themselves to His space, He extends the opportunity to see what comes with His presence. He is not there as a pretty ornament to show off when someone visits. This place is an opportunity for conversation, for relationship and for the will of God to be present, known and acted on.

Is this something we appreciate today as we gather? Is it something we’re mindful of in our everyday lives? The work of His Son in tearing down what divided us now means we have free access to have a right relationship with God, who is keen to be alert and present to whatever your needs are. This is no longer something that must take place in a sacred building with ceilings reaching to the heavens. He wants us to know that He’s paying attention as we dedicate ourselves and consecrate

Our challenge is to discover how we can cultivate a desire to be attentive to Him on both personal and communal levels. How can we embrace this invitation to engage with the Creator who is keen to pay attention to us? How can we appreciate God’s work in Christ, which involves receiving His Spirit and responding to His nudges to pay attention to the one who is attentive to us?

Something to consider.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom