Mobile Mercy

2 Chronicles 6:12-42 records Solomon’s prayer of the dedication of the temple he has finished building for the Lord, which was started in the heart of David. Repeatedly in this prayer, Solomon emphasizes the temple as a place where God hears the cries and pleas of his people and forgives sin. The temple isn’t meant to be like a retreat or a resort for God to come and stay in and be comfortable and just shower blessings on the people, it’s meant to be a place where God’s justice and mercy shine forth as a house of forgiveness, because “there is no one who does not sin” (v.36).

As soon as this prayer is finished, fire falls from heaven, consuming the offerings, and God’s glory fils the temple so strongly that the priests could not enter. No one could do anything but fall on their faces and worship him. It says that the priests had to just stand at their posts (7:6). After a great feast and a 23-day celebration (with one day of solemnity--the 8th day), everyone goes home with joy and gladness of heart. After this, God comes to Solomon in the night and confirms that he has “chosen this place for (himself) as a house of sacrifice” (7:12).

Just as the house of God in Solomon’s day was a house of sacrifice, so it must be today. In our day, God’s house, or temple, is within the bodies of his people. God’s people must act as his “temple,” a place of forgiveness and justice and mercy. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, appeals for us to present our bodies as “living sacrifices,” which is our act of spiritual worship (12:1). As long as there is sin in the world, there is need of forgiveness. And as long as forgiveness is needed, God needs to provide it, or we’re all lost and without hope.

God’s temple was also open to foreigners. His plan was always for all people to know him and worship him. His temple was open to all, “in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you” (6:33). The temple of Israel was the beacon of hope in the world, as it was the place God had chosen and blessed to be a place on the earth where his mercy and justice and forgiveness was visible and tangible. Now, God’s “temple” is all over the earth, in those who have received his forgiveness and are sealed by his Spirit. God’s gone mobile, wireless. Am I doing what I am meant as God’s temple to be doing?

Lord, I see clearly today that your temple was not just a place of worship and gladness, but primarily a house of forgiveness. This day, may I be a mobile house of forgiveness; knowing your mercy and dispensing mercy, all to make you known. Thank you for your mercy, and for helping me see more clearly my purpose and your will.`