Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” John 13:8.

When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord saying, “He is good, his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:3.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Our chapter, 2 Chronicles 7, brought to remembrance God’s holiness and presence with them at the dedication of the temple. God reminded Solomon of our need for God. He knew their hearts just as He knows our hearts. The glory of the Lord, His Holiness, is our lifeline.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8.

Can you imagine seeing fire come down from heaven and the glory of the Lord appearing? What do we see in this world today? Instead of despairing at the unrighteousness in this world, let us rejoice in the righteousness, the holiness of our Creator God. Let us rejoice that we love a Creator God who washed the feet of His disciples as an example for them. Let us rejoice that we love a Creator God who brought fire down to light an altar that held sacrifices to Him and yet who tells us For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6.

Can we acknowledge God? Can we rejoice that He is Holy? We live in a world that is not holy. Can we see the difference? Can we yearn for what is good for all people and not just ourselves? Do we even know what that would be? God knows. All of the history of us, of mankind, bears witness to what our sins do. We can depend on those lessons being ever before us as we continue to choose sin. But if we humble ourselves, if we pray and seek God, if we turn from sin and choose life, amazing transformation happens. We can depend on God’s Holiness. He will light the way through great darkness and in Him we will know the peace of His love and care. His love and care is for all of His creation. Take His hand. Let Him teach you. He’s here. Always. His first lesson for you? He loves you.