ROOTED - Friday, March 27, 2026
2 Chronicles 7:1-3
1 As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from
heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory
of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the
priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of
the Lord filled the Lord's house. 3 When
all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of
the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the
ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,
“For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Reflection: Fire from Heaven
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
Note that I am skipping to tomorrow’s reading
to cover chapter 7. Tomorrow I will cover the reading for Sunday the 29th
to write about 2 Chronicles 16.
In a story that is unique to Chronicles (not
in 1 or 2 Kings), we see a miracle. Evidently the writer of Chronicles (likely
Ezra), unlike Jeremiah who likely wrote 1 and 2 Kings, is focusing on the
divine, miraculous affirmation of Solomon and the new Temple. The story is
reminiscent of Elijah’s miraculous event as he called fire down from heaven in
the dual against Baal. Here, again, God sends fire from heaven, consuming the
burnt offering as the “glory of the Lord” filled the Temple. I imagine what it
would be like to see God accomplish something so outrageously awesome. How
would I respond?
The Bible records how the children of Israel respond: they bowed
down with their faces to the ground! Yep… that sounds about right! That seems
like the appropriate response, and likely what I would do. I imagine my natural
response would be to “hit the ground” in the presence of immense and profound
power and holiness. This is essentially the starting posture of worship. As we
come to the realization of the awesomeness of God, we naturally posture
ourselves with humility and reverence. As I read a story like this, I think,
“when was the last time I was struck with a sense of wonder of God?” When is
the last time you came to a realization of the amazement of God such that your
posture changed as a response? I am wrestling with that question and wondering
if I have not adequately recognized God for who he is! God help us to get a
fresh glimpse of his glory.
Lord, help us to see the glory of God in Christ in such a way that
it changes the way we worship. Open our hearts and our eyes to see you.