05/29/17 Worshiping from the Ground

READING: 2 Chronicles 7-9, John 11:1-29

“They bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground.”

2 Chronicles 7:3

I have been privileged to participate in worship services where it was simply evident that God was working. The memories are etched in my mind, in fact. A service where the people were so overcome with the presence of God that the congregation was completely silent for some time. A gathering that resulted in dozens of non-believers turning to Christ. A choir special that was so moving that all we could do was weep. A pastor humbly revealing his own brokenness and pleading with others to give their heartache to God. A Lord’s Supper observance that resulted in many on their faces before God.

Mighty these services were, but none was like what the Hebrews observed at the dedication ceremony of Solomon’s Temple: “All the Israelites were watching when the fire descended and the glory of the Lord came on the temple. They bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground. They worshiped and praised the Lord: ‘For He is good, for His faithful love endures forever’” (2 Chron. 7:3). My mind, in fact, cannot imagine what it was like to see the glory of the Lord fill the Temple, even to the extent that the priests could not enter it. The glory must have been palpable, potent, almost paralyzing, perhaps.

What I can imagine is the echo of voices singing these praises: “For He is good, for His faithful love endures forever.” This chorus occurs more than once in this book (2 Chron. 5:13, 7:6, 20:21; cf. 1 Chron. 16:34) as the writer emphasizes the steadfast love God has for His people. He is committed to loving His people even when they are unlovable, and He remains so faithful to them that He would judge them if necessary to turn them away from their sin. His love for us is unwavering and unending.

I fear, though, that we talk about this kind of love without realizing its extent. We use the words but don’t recognize the incredible depth of God’s love for us. If we did understand it even a small bit, our response would be the response of the Hebrews at the Temple: they buried their faces on the ground and worshiped.

That position, it seems to me, is exactly where we ought to be – singing God’s praises, but doing it humbly from the ground.

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Imagine your response should God’s presence be so evident that you could not enter your church building. With that thought in mind, worship Him from the ground.
  • Thank God for the number of times He has steadfastly loved you when you have wandered.

PRAYER: “God, I cannot fathom how much You love me. Thank You.” 

TOMORROW’S READING:  2 Chronicles 10-12, John 11:30-57

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