1 Kings 8:10-11 “10 It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.”

CAN’T STAND IT

I really love this passage.  The ark has just been placed into the Holy of Holies in the Temple for the first time.  All of a sudden, the glory of the Lord filled the Temple.  The cloud of His presence was seen.  It was such an awesome and powerful thing that the priests could not stand before it.

No one here had seen this same cloud as it led the people of Israel through the wilderness.  So, this was a new sight for them.  The very presence of the Lord was among them.  The priest were in awe.  The people were in awe.  The king was in awe.

TEACHING MOMENT

Let me ask you a question.  Is the presence of the Lord so real in your life that people are in awe?  Can they see the Lord’s Spirit resting on you?  Our children, of all people, need to see that.  They need to be drawn to the very presence of God in your life.  The first view of God they will see will be in you. Did you realize that?

So, how are you reflecting that presence?  Would your children even be aware of it?  I don’t mean to imply that you need to walk around with a halo on your head, singing hymns all the time.  But our children need to know that your life is governed and filled by the very Spirit of God.  They need to know they can trust Jesus in you.

Have you experienced the presence of God like the priests did at the Temple that day?  When is the last time you were driven to your knees before a Holy God?  You know, He is the same God.  His presence is still awe-filled.  But now, through Jesus, we can stand boldly before His throne knowing that right beside Him Jesus is interceding on our behalf.

Will you ask the Lord today to fill you with His presence so that others are drawn to Him?  Don’t seek His presence for your exaltation.  Instead seek it for His.  Let Him be exalted through your godly living and witness.

O Father, You are a holy and loving God.  You say my body is Your temple here on earth if I believe in Your Son, Jesus.  Will you fill me with your “cloud of presence” so much that others are in awe of You?