Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. This forms — I. THE GRAND ELEMENT OF ITS CONSECRATION. Consecration implies — 1. That there are subordinate elements in the dedication, or the setting apart of it as the house of God. A Church is sanctified by the Word of God, prayer, and praise, independent of all other ceremonies. 2. During the dedication we are to look and wait for demonstrations of the Divine presence therein. The "cloud," at the consecration of Solomon's temple, "filled the house of the Lord." This was a visible and special token of the Divine Presence suited to the auspicious event. There were five permanent symbols of God's presence in the temple. (1) The Shekinah. (2) The Ark and Mercy-seat. (3) The Urim and Thummim. (4) Fire from heaven. (5) The spirit of prophecy.These were "shadows of good things to come" in the spiritual temple. 3. Consecration of a church to the service of God should be accompanied with firm resolution and vigilant watchfulness, lest any exercises of common or unclean character be tolerated therein. II. THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN HIS TEMPLE DEMANDS THE SPIRIT OF ADORATION, A spirit manifesting itself in "reverence and godly fear." Our sole object in coming into the temple should be to worship God. When we attend to our duty in the house of the Lord we may reasonably expect the blessing of God to rest upon us. III. THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IN HIS TEMPLE JUSTIFIES AND ENCOURAGES THE EXERCISE OF EXPECTATION. Sinners may expect the blessing of regeneration and conversion. Warrants of expectation are God's express promise, the atonement, and recorded instances of God's gracious dealings. IV. BY THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN HIS TEMPLE WE HAVE SWEET AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH HIM. This is the highest honour that can be conferred upon sinful men; it is an indispensable qualification for the enjoyment of His presence in heaven. (William Roberts, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.WEB: But Yahweh is in his holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before him!" |
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