2 Chronicles 5
Scripture:
12 All the Levites who were musicians–Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives–stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.
13 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud,
14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
Observation:
There are a few times in scripture where God’s presence shows up as a cloud. This occurrence is often referred to as the “shekinah” glory. The Fire Bible, in an article defining the Glory of God, says, “Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning “dwelling [of God],” and it is used to describe a visible manifestation of God’s presence and glory.” I cannot imagine what that experience must have been like for everyone who was present on that day.
This scripture demonstrates how God is pleased when we come together in “one voice” and give praise to Him. While I haven’t experienced God’s presence like a cloud, yet, I desire to experience more of God everyday. I encourage you to strive for unity at home, at work, in your church and in your community. When we worship in unity, God shows up!
Application:
- Personal Application: Set out to resolve any tension or disunity with those around you. Focus on honoring God in all your relationships and interactions with others.
- Family Devotional: Read this portion of scripture and tell your family how God is honored when we worship together in unison. If there is any disunity that exists in your home take a moment to resolve it. Once that is resolved, join hands and praise God together. This experience it may range from you saying a few words on behalf of your family to your entire family singing a song together. There is no right or wrong to this challenge as long as your hearts are in unity and focused on the Lord.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the courage to give grace and receive grace in any situation that has caused tension or disunity with those around you. Ask God to bring healing into any relationship that feels stressed.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will make your home a place of unity and worship.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 30 – Sunday, September 6:
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
- Monday, August 31: 2 Chronicles 3
- Tuesday, September 1: 2 Chronicles 4
- Wednesday, September 2: 2 Chronicles 5
- Thursday, September 3: 2 Chronicles 6
- Friday, September 4: 2 Chronicles 7
- Saturday, September 5: 2 Chronicles 8
- Sunday, September 6: 2 Chronicles 9
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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