S. O. A. P.
Here’s your 90 second AM devotional!
S-cripture:
Revelation 15:8a
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power.
O-bservation:
“John the Beloved” saw a temple coming out of heaven, and when the door opened the temple was filled with smoke because of the Glory and Power of God. Even though that was a vision, the Old Testament records of the dedication of Solomon’s temple that the glory of God was so awesome that a cloud (perhaps smoke) filled the temple. The priests weren’t able to do their service unto the Lord (2 Chronicles 6:14). And again in Isaiah 6:4, Isaiah had a vision from the Lord while in His temple. The Glory of God filled the place with smoke. I would love to experience that too.
A-pplication:
Like many other contemporary churches, we have smoke machines during our worship service. It adds an unusual visual effect with intelligent lighting that creates a beautiful atmosphere. The atmosphere created tends to get people’s eyes off of one another and on to the worship of Jesus. But it’s also a means to re-create in human terms the presence of God mentioned in the Scriptures above. I know it’s fake, but it’s not a shortcut; it really is offered from a pure heart wishing and hoping and praying that His glory would demonstrate again as in days of old. We want God so much that we’re willing to … “Fake It Until God Makes It.”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
Like so many other “Followers of Jesus,” I want to see YOUR glory. And I know that when I do, no one will think it’s fake. Amen
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