Spirituality Explained.

Verses: 2 Chronicles 7:13–14

"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

if my people, who 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."

Construction of the temple is over. Things are placed accurately in the exact places God wanted Solomon to place them. As Solomon ended his prayer, God's glory filled the temple.

After the first services, God appeared to Solomon in a vision. God did not leave the matter simply because the temple was installed; He had just begun. He made clear to Solomon His purpose in establishing a temple. It was not at all to stir awe in people upon seeing its greatness, nor did God want to convert that awe into an acceptable devotion. God knew that having awe toward a physical structure like a temple is idolatry. It was not directed toward Himself, but was merely an exclamation over its magnitude.

What God told Solomon is pivotal.

If people come into the temple imploring Him when there is no rain, a locust attack, or pestilence, God will intervene positively.

Rain, locusts, and pestilence are very much connected to our mundane, day-to-day life.

Here, God does not say anything philosophical or abstract. What He says is very mundane and concrete.

Here, God calls for our attention.

God wants us to seek Him and know Him within the boundaries of our normal life.

Imagine that God has given us 100 rupees. God will ask and expect us to give an account of that 100, never of the 1,000 He did not give.

What God has given us is a simple life of food, water, sickness, pain, and rain. Let us find God in what He has given us, never in what He has not yet given. May God bless you and keep you safe this day.

I am Rev. Christopher Shabu, working in Idukki. Pray for us too.

Shall we pray:

Dear Lord,

I am praying for the dear ones who read today's devotional. Father, make them seek You in the very life situation You have given them.

Amen.