2 Chronicles 7:11-22
The house has been finished and inaugurated. In his reply to Solomon, the LORD declares that He has sanctified it so that His name might be there for ever (vv. 16, 20). Blessed assurance! Nowadays the gathering together of believers, amongst whom the Lord Jesus has promised to be present, is characterised by the fact that they meet in the name of the Lord (Matthew 18:20). Hence the serious responsibility of not tolerating there anything which is dishonouring to that Name and that presence. That is what the LORD is warning Solomon against from v. 19 onwards.
However, at the same time the Lord’s presence in the midst of His own guarantees them everything that their souls require. How is it then that certain assemblies are languishing and stuck in a rut? Something must be missing, and it is obvious that this is not the fulfilment of the Lord’s promise. Sadly, what is missing is faith, my faith in His presence which is sufficient to bless me abundantly and to bless me there!
Let us note how the divine response matches exactly the king’s prayer from the previous chapter. Compare for example, 2 Chronicles 7:15 with 2 Chronicles 6:40. Yes, let us expect definite blessings from God. He is pleased to grant them to us.