Observation: The grand opening of Solomon's Temple begins with bringing the Arc of the Covenant into the holy of holies. With it, they bring the Tent of Meeting, originally constructed to hold the arc and the place where Moses met with the Lord in the center of the Israel camp during the wilderness years. Doing a quick look-up of key dates, it was approximately ... 480 years from the date the Tent was constructed, to the date the Temple was completed.
And in all that time - almost five centuries - a structure made out of animal skins has been in continuous use, and still exists.
This fact is completely and totally inexplicable within any natural or normal context. Organic material simply doesn't last centuries; it doesn't last years. Even the sacred things - forks and plates and lamps - would not last centuries, even though they're made from metals. It is barely believable that a wooden box could last that long, even with it being covered with gold, knowing that it has actually passed through enemy hands as a conquest of war.
Watching these items being paraded through the streets of Jerusalem and into the Temple could leave only one impression on any logical person. Some great and supernatural power has protected these things. Couple that with what happens later - at the completion of Solomon's prayer, fire and lightning strike the alter and light the burnt offering - and this is all evidence of Yahweh without anyone actively asking for a miraculous sign.
Application: I would love to be a witness to some miraculous sign that is seen by thousands and thousands of people, for which there can be no explanation but that the Lord is real. I know he is real ... I don't seek any more proof than I already have ... but I do wish something would happen that even the most cynical couldn't deny.
And of course that is the issue. If the cynical can't deny it, then belief would not be based on faith. I may really like the idea of suddenly everyone believing in God, turning to Jesus, and discovering joy and hope by the Holy Spirit. However, that isn't what would happen because those converts wouldn't have discovered faith. They would have seen 'proof' without seeking 'truth'.
In the end, undeniable proof just doesn't work, and God knows it. Those of us who believe don't need it. Those who don't believe couldn't reconcile it.
Prayer: Lord, as I desire a revival, let it start with this idea. May we foster in the world a desire to seek truth, hope, joy, and love. And may those desires turn hearts toward you. Amen.
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