Text: 2 Chronicles 7:16
“This Sanctified House” represents a sacred space set apart for the exclusive worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. This dedication encompasses preaching, praying, praise, singing, teaching, giving, fellowship, the winning of lost sinners to Christ, the restoration of fellowship, and the edification of the Saints. In 2 Chronicles 7:16, we see God’s commitment to His house, stating, “For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.” This verse encapsulates the divine presence and approval of the worship conducted within the house of God. As we explore this scripture, we will delve into the implications of God’s ears, name, eyes, heart, word, presence, and people being here, illustrating the sanctity and purpose of His house.
I. HIS EARS SHALL BE HERE (v. 15)
A. He Hears Our Believing Prayers
The assurance that God hears our prayers is foundational to the Christian faith. In 2 Chronicles 7:15, God promises, “Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” This commitment signifies that God is actively listening to the prayers offered in His sanctified house. The Hebrew word for “hear” (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but responding. This implies a relationship where our prayers are met with divine attention and action. As John Bunyan eloquently stated, “In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” This underscores the importance of heartfelt, believing prayers that reach the ears of God.
B. He Hears Our Bible Preaching
God’s ears are also tuned to the preaching of His Word. Preaching, as described in Romans 10:17, is vital for the growth of faith: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The proclamation of the Bible within the sanctified house is not just an exercise in rhetoric but a divine mandate that God honors and blesses. The preaching of God’s Word is powerful, as noted by Charles Spurgeon, “The preaching of Christ is the whip that flogs the devil.” It is through this preached Word that believers are edified, corrected, and instructed in righteousness.
C. He Hears Our Blessed Praise
Praising God is an essential aspect of worship that He delights in hearing. Psalm 22:3 tells us, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” The Hebrew term for “inhabit” (יָשַׁב, yashab) suggests that God dwells within the praises of His people, signifying His pleasure and presence. When we lift our voices in praise, we are not only expressing our gratitude but also inviting God’s presence into our midst. This act of worship is a testament to our faith and recognition of His sovereignty, as echoed by A.W. Tozer, “Without worship, we go about miserable.”
II. HIS NAME SHALL BE HERE (v. 16a)
A. Jehovah-Jireh—the Lord Will Provide (Gen. 22:13–14)
One of the names of God is Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “The Lord Will Provide.” This name was revealed to Abraham in Genesis 22:13-14 when God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. This name signifies God’s provision and care for His people. In the sanctified house, we acknowledge Jehovah-Jireh as the source of all our needs, trusting in His unfailing provision. This divine provision is not limited to material needs but extends to spiritual nourishment and sustenance, affirming God’s role as our provider in every aspect of life.
B. Jehovah-Rapha—the Lord That Healeth (Ex. 15:26)
Another significant name of God is Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord That Healeth.” In Exodus 15:26, God declares, “I am the Lord that healeth thee,” promising physical and spiritual healing. In the sanctified house, we call upon Jehovah-Rapha, seeking His healing touch for our ailments and brokenness. This name assures us of God’s power to restore and make whole, a promise that brings comfort and hope to those suffering. As we gather in worship, we are reminded of His healing presence, capable of mending our deepest wounds and renewing our strength.
C. Jehovah-Shammah—the Lord Is Present (Matt. 28:20)
The name Jehovah-Shammah, meaning “The Lord Is There,” speaks to God’s omnipresence. Jesus’ assurance in Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” echoes this truth. In the sanctified house, we celebrate the presence of Jehovah-Shammah, confident that God is with us in every moment of our worship and daily lives. His presence brings peace, guidance, and assurance, reinforcing the reality that we are never alone. This perpetual presence of God is a cornerstone of our faith, providing strength and courage to face life’s challenges.
III. HIS EYES SHALL BE HERE (v. 16b)
A. He Sees Our Devotion
God’s eyes being present in His sanctified house signifies His awareness of our devotion. Proverbs 5:21 states, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.” This implies that God sees and values our sincere acts of worship and commitment. Our devotion is not unnoticed; it is cherished by God who sees the heart behind our actions. This awareness should inspire us to live authentically, knowing that our genuine devotion pleases God and strengthens our relationship with Him.
B. He Sees Our Dress
God’s eyes also observe our outward expression of reverence, including our dress. While God primarily looks at the heart, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:7, our external presentation can reflect our inner reverence. Modesty and appropriateness in our dress are ways to honor God and respect the sanctity of His house. This is not about legalism but about an attitude of respect and honor for the place dedicated to God’s worship. By dressing appropriately, we communicate our reverence for God and the holy atmosphere of the sanctuary.
C. He Sees Our Deeds
God’s eyes see all our deeds, both in and out of the sanctified house. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” This awareness should lead us to live righteously, knowing that God is always watching. Our deeds are a reflection of our faith, and by acting justly and mercifully, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. This understanding calls us to integrity and consistency in our Christian walk.
IV. HIS HEART SHALL BE HERE (v. 16c)
A. Gift of God’s Son
The heart of God is most revealed in the gift of His Son. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This supreme act of love demonstrates God’s deep affection and commitment to humanity. In the sanctified house, we continually celebrate and remember this gift, recognizing that our salvation and relationship with God are made possible through Jesus Christ. The sacrificial love of God should inspire us to love Him deeply and to share this love with others.
B. Grace of God’s Salvation
God’s heart is also reflected in the grace of His salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The grace of God, freely given and unearned, underscores the magnanimity of His heart. In the sanctified house, we gather to receive and celebrate this grace, allowing it to transform our lives and shape our interactions with others. Understanding and embracing God’s grace leads us to live in humility, gratitude, and a desire to extend grace to those around us.
C. Gospel of God’s Scriptures
The heart of God is revealed through the gospel of His Scriptures. Romans 1:16 proclaims, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” The gospel is the heartbeat of our faith, the message of hope and redemption that we proclaim in the sanctified house. Through the Scriptures, we understand God’s character, His promises, and His plan for our lives. By immersing ourselves in the gospel, we align our hearts with God’s, allowing His Word to guide and direct us in all we do.
V. HIS WORD SHALL BE HERE (2 Timothy 4:1–4)
A. Inspired Holy Spirit Illuminated (2 Peter 1:21)
The presence of God’s Word in the sanctified house is fundamental. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 urges, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” The Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is essential for teaching and guiding the church. 2 Peter 1:21 clarifies, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” This inspiration ensures that the Scriptures are trustworthy and authoritative, serving as the foundation for all teaching and preaching within the house of God.
B. Infallible God Cannot Lie (Hebrews 6:18)
The infallibility of God’s Word is another critical aspect. Hebrews 6:18 states, “It is impossible for God to lie,” reinforcing the trustworthiness of His promises and commands. The Word of God is a solid foundation on which we can build our faith and lives. This infallibility assures us that the teachings and promises found in the Bible are reliable and true. In the sanctified house, we rely on the infallible Word to guide us in truth, comfort us in times of trouble, and instruct us in righteous living.
C. Inescapable to Sinner’s Only Light (Hebrews 4:13)
The Word of God is also inescapable, serving as a light to expose sin and guide sinners to repentance. Hebrews 4:12-13 declares, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword… neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight.” The penetrating power of the Word brings conviction, leading sinners to the light of salvation. In the sanctified house, the preaching of the Word illuminates our hearts, revealing our need for God’s grace and guiding us toward redemption and transformation.
VI. HIS PRESENCE SHALL BE HERE (Matthew 18:20)
A. Glory of His Person
The presence of God in the sanctified house is a reality. Matthew 18:20 promises, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The glory of God’s person is made manifest when believers gather in His name. This divine presence brings a sense of awe and reverence, reminding us of the holiness and majesty of God. The Hebrew word for “glory” (כָּבוֹד, kavod) denotes weight and significance, indicating the substantial and transformative presence of God among His people.
B. Greatness of His Power
God’s presence also brings the greatness of His power. In Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul exclaims, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” This power is evident in the lives of believers, transforming and empowering us to live out our faith boldly. In the sanctified house, we experience the greatness of God’s power, which heals, delivers, and works miracles among us. This power is a testament to God’s active involvement in our lives and His ability to accomplish the impossible.
C. Goodness of His Promises
The presence of God assures us of the goodness of His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 declares, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” These promises provide hope and assurance, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His Word. In the sanctified house, we hold on to these promises, drawing strength and encouragement from the certainty of God’s faithfulness. His presence reinforces the reality that His promises are true and that He is committed to our well-being and ultimate salvation.
VII. HIS PEOPLE SHALL BE HERE (Hebrews 10:25)
A. Saved Attend to Worship and Serve
The sanctified house is a gathering place for God’s people. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Believers are called to gather for worship, fellowship, and service, strengthening one another in faith. This assembly is vital for spiritual growth and encouragement, providing a community where we can collectively worship God and support each other in our faith journey.
B. Sinners Attend to Watch and Get Saved
The sanctified house also serves as a beacon for sinners seeking salvation. John 12:32 records Jesus saying, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” As we lift up Christ in our worship and witness, sinners are drawn to the hope and salvation found in Him. The sanctified house is a place where the gospel is proclaimed, and those seeking truth and redemption can encounter the transformative power of Christ. It is a place of refuge and hope for the lost, offering them the opportunity to find new life in Jesus.
C. Silent Dead Are Brought for the Final Service
Finally, the sanctified house is a place where the deceased are honored and remembered. Ecclesiastes 3:2 reminds us, “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” Funerals and memorial services conducted in the sanctified house provide comfort and closure for the bereaved, celebrating the lives of the departed and affirming the hope of resurrection in Christ. These services remind us of the transient nature of life and the eternal hope we have in Jesus.
The sanctified house of God is a place of significance, dedicated to the worship, teaching, and fellowship that honors the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a place where God’s ears hear our prayers, preaching, and praise; where His name, eyes, heart, word, presence, and people dwell. This sacred space serves as a beacon of hope, a refuge for the weary, and a community of faith where believers are strengthened, and seekers find salvation. Let us cherish and honor this sanctified house, continually seeking to glorify God in all that we do within its walls.
Intentional Faith 