We often quote 2 Chronicles 7:14, especially when we are faced with difficulties or things that are impossible to understand. To appreciate how important that verse is, we need to take it (as 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 Temple as the place for making sacrifices.” [2 Chronicles 7:12 NLT]
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, Christ Jesus. He is the One who will present her without spot or wrinkle or any blemish.
When I look at the church, I tend to see the spots, wrinkles, and blemishes. Then I need to remind myself of God’s promise. “…Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.” [Eph 5:25b-27 NLT]
Christ loves the church. As ragged as she may look at times, 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.
