PREPARING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

PREPARING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 15:1-28

Supporting Texts: Exodus 19:10-11, Psalm 24:3-10, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

INTRODUCTION:
The glory of God is not to be treated casually; it is weighty, sacred, and transforming. In 1 Chronicles 15, David understood the error he had made earlier in attempting to bring the Ark of the Covenant without proper reverence. Now, having learned from his mistake, he made extensive preparations to bring the Ark back according to God’s prescribed order.

This passage underscores the truth that divine presence requires divine order. You cannot carry the glory of God with dirty hands or careless hearts. God is holy, and those who seek to host His glory must also be sanctified, set apart, and aligned with His standards.

David’s meticulous arrangements—selecting the right people, sanctifying the priests, organising musicians, and approaching with great joy and reverence—are a powerful model for believers today. If we desire to experience the manifest glory of God, we must be intentional in preparing spiritually, mentally, and physically to welcome His presence.

1. PREPARATION BEGINS WITH CONSECRATION
1 Chronicles 15:12

a) God Demands Purity Before His Glory Is Revealed
God instructed the Levites to sanctify themselves before carrying the Ark, showing that purity is a prerequisite for carrying His presence (Psalm 24:3–4).

b) Consecration Involves Separation from the Common
To be consecrated means to be set apart—our lives, actions, and thoughts must be different from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17–18).

c) Without Holiness, No Man Shall See the Lord
Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that holiness is the key to seeing God's glory. There is no shortcut around it.

d) God Cannot Dwell Where Sin Reigns
The glory of God departed from Israel in Eli’s time due to sin (1 Samuel 4:21–22).

Biblical Example: Before God came down on Mount Sinai, the people had to sanctify themselves for three days (Exodus 19:10–11).

2. PREPARATION REQUIRES UNDERSTANDING DIVINE ORDER
1 Chronicles 15:13–15

a) God Has a Way Things Must Be Done
The previous attempt failed because it was not according to divine instruction. God's glory demands divine protocol (1 Corinthians 14:40).

b) God Does Not Honour Presumption
Good intentions are not enough when they contradict God's ways. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

c) Following God's Pattern Attracts His Presence
When the Levites carried the Ark properly, God helped them (1 Chronicles 15:26).

d) Spiritual Preparation Includes Aligning with God’s Will
Like David, we must seek God’s counsel before embarking on any spiritual assignment (2 Samuel 5:19).

Biblical Example: Uzzah died because they transported the Ark on a cart instead of having Levites carry it, showing the importance of order (2 Samuel 6:6–7).

3. PREPARATION INVOLVES CORPORATE UNITY AND WORSHIP
1 Chronicles 15:16–22

a) Worship Was Organised and Participatory
David appointed singers, musicians, and leaders to lead in praise—everyone had a role (Psalm 133:1–3).

b) Unity Attracts the Glory of God
When the people came together in one accord, the presence of God filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13–14).

c) Preparation Must Be Collective, Not Just Individual
The body of Christ must be in unity to fully manifest the glory of God (Ephesians 4:3).

d) Spiritual Atmosphere is Influenced by Worship
God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Proper preparation includes creating an atmosphere conducive to His presence.

e) Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, they were in one accord when the Holy Ghost came in power (Acts 2:1–4).

4. PREPARATION INCLUDES JOYFUL EXPECTATION
1 Chronicles 15:28

a) The Glory of God Is Worth Celebrating
David and the people rejoiced greatly as they brought in the Ark. Joy accompanies the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).

b) Joy Demonstrates Readiness and Faith
Joy is an expression of faith that God's glory is welcome and will manifest (Philippians 4:4).

c) Celebration Creates Room for Manifestation
As praise and joy went up, God came down. A gloomy, grumbling heart does not attract glory.

d) We Must Rejoice with Reverence
David danced before the Lord but still ensured the order of worship was maintained (2 Samuel 6:14).

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s army praised their way into victory, and God set ambushments against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21–22).

5. PREPARATION MUST HONOUR GOD ABOVE HUMAN OPINION
Main Text Reference: 1 Chronicles 15:29

a) David Honoured God Publicly Despite Criticism
Michal despised David’s exuberant worship, but David prioritised God’s honour over human approval (2 Samuel 6:20-22).

b) Glory Comes When God is Exalted Above Self
True preparation involves humbling ourselves so God may be lifted (James 4:10).

c) Don’t Let Pride Rob You of God’s Presence
Michal's mockery led to barrenness. Criticising spiritual passion can invite judgment.

d) You Must Choose Whose Approval Matters Most
Seeking men’s approval can cost you God’s presence (Galatians 1:10).

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany broke her alabaster box without minding critics; Jesus said her act would be remembered (Mark 14:3-9).

CONCLUSION:
Preparing for the glory of God is not a casual affair. It involves intentional consecration, obedience to divine patterns, unified worship, joyful expectation, and bold honouring of God regardless of human opinions. Those who prepare rightly for His presence will not only carry His glory but will also see His power and favour manifest in their lives.

Today, we must ask ourselves: are we truly prepared for God’s presence? Is our heart sanctified? Are our motives pure? Do we walk in obedience and humility? When we make the necessary preparations, the glory of God will descend upon us with undeniable power and transformative results.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, prepare me as a vessel worthy to carry Your glory.
2. Father, sanctify my heart and cleanse me from every impurity that may hinder Your presence.
3. Help me to understand and follow Your divine order in all things.
4. Lord, bring unity among us as a body so we can experience Your corporate glory.
5. Fill my heart with the joy of Your presence daily.
6. Let my worship attract Your manifest glory in every area of my life.
7. Father, help me to honour You above human opinions and criticism.
8. Let Your glory rest upon my home, church, and nation.
9. May I never become too familiar with Your presence that I dishonour it.
10. Lord, grant me the grace to live in continuous preparation for Your presence.