We often quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 when we talk about revival. To understand how important that verse is, we need to take it (like all other verses) in context. God begins his declaration to Solomon by making sure Solomon knows just whose temple it is. “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.” [2 Chronicles 7:12 NIV]
I am reminded when I read this verse that God chose Israel out of all the nations on the earth to be His own. He chose the location for the temple where His presence would be. He chose the one to build it – not David who originally had the idea, but David’s son. We call this temple Solomon’s Temple, but it truly was Jehovah’s Temple.
In the same way, God chose the church. The church is the bride He has picked out for His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the one who will present her without spot or wrinkle or any blemish.
When I look at the church, sometimes all I see are spots, wrinkles and blemishes. Then I need to remind myself of God’s promise. “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” [Eph 5:25b-27 NIV]
Christ loves the church. As bad as she may look at times, ragged, worn and not at all ready for a wedding, Christ sees her totally ready because He knows He has the power to make her so.
Holy Spirit, sweep through your beloved church and make us ready! Amen.
