Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering . . . and the glory of the Lord filled the house. —2 Chronicles 7:1
It represented Pentecost: “When Solomon had made an end of praying.” So many people expect God to answer. They would be frightened if He did. Solomon stretched out his hands and prayed to God, and God heard him.
When he had made an end of praying, something happened. God will come forth if you are not afraid of the power, if you are ready to stand for God with all there is of you. As Pentecostal people we should always be “prayed up,” so we can get hold of God quickly, and be sure it is for the glory of God.
“The fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house” (v. 1). Some people talk as if God never had any glory, as though the glory of God was never seen at any time.
Paul said, “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory” (2 Cor. 3:9).
The glory under the law did not last; but the Holy Ghost came at Pentecost to stay. And the manifestations under the ministry of the Holy Ghost are to be with much greater glory, to “exceed in glory.” The power under the law was only a shadow of what we ought to have under grace. This was the ministry of life, not death.
Lord, minister Your glory to me. Amen.
