What is Beautiful?

Based on 2 Chronicles 7-9

"And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." 2 Chronicles 7:3.

In these recent chapters, we've been talking about Solomon, his wisdom, and the house he had built for The Lord. This house/temple was magnificent; I try to imagine it as it's described, but there are so many intricate details, that we'll just have to wait till we get to Heaven for God to show us what it was like! Sure, it had abundant riches & items which were brought into it, but as seen in the above Scripture, it was GOD' PRESENCE which made this place magnificent!

Remember, there was a cloud...and now fire!! The people worshipped not because of their own handiwork, but in awe of God's handiwork which is beyond anything humans could produce! It was the presence of God that the people were waiting for-that was the purpose of that place.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."
2 Chronicles 7:14‭-‬15.

This place was basically a church! And the above Scripture beautifully describes the purpose of this place in more detail. Although this magnificent temple was something to be celebrated, it had a more humble reason of existence: To sacrifice. To humble themselves. To become sanctified in order to dwell close with God. To repent. Then, true forgiveness & healing would take place.

Sure, the decor was awesome...but it was transformation of the people that beautified the place! And that's the reason we, as God's people, have church. It's not to have the fanciest place to offer to God, but it's the sacrificial offerings made from our heart which count most. There is nothing more beautiful than God. We honestly can't give Him beautiful. We can give Him our "less than" so He can MAKE it beautiful! That's the purpose of the church & Body of Christ!

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Ecclesiastes 3:11.

The most beautiful thing any place or person can adorn is the presence of God! His process is perfect. Trust Him!