The incident here recorded was one that must have lived for ever in the memory of those who witnessed it. The occasion itself was of surpassing interest; all the accessories were fitted to deepen the impression; and when the miraculous fire came down from heaven upon the altar, there was an event which every present Israelite must have delighted to describe in after-days to those who did not witness it. Its significance was twofold. It was -

I. A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE AND GLORY. For that fire, and the "glory of the Lord" filling the house of the Lord, spake of the present God and of his glory; and before it the priests retired and the people bowed down in reverential worship, "with their faces to the ground? The scene carries with it a summons to constant reverence.

1. Reverence in all worship; for God is as truly, though not as miraculously and manifestly, present in his sanctuary to-day as he was on this "high day" at Jerusalem.

2. Reverence of spirit at all times and everywhere. For may we not say that the whole earth is "the house of the Lord," and that it is filled with his presence and his glory? All the objects of nature that we are looking upon, all the processes of nature that we are watching, all creature life and gladness, attest his presence and his power. "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord," and therefore of the glory of the Lord (Psalm 33:5 with Exodus 33:19). Reverently, therefore, should we walk through the world, as those who feel that God is very near us, that we "stand before God," that his hand is working for us in the air and on the earth, that he is the One "with whom we have to do" always, in whom everywhere we live and move and have our being.

II. AN ASSURANCE OF THE DIVINE APPROVAL. The descending flame was the surest and strongest possible indication that all the work of the past years had been approved, and that Jehovah accepted the house which had been built as his own. It was right enough, therefore, for the assembled multitude to be not only affected with awe, but to be filled with thankfulness and sacred joy, as they sang, "The Lord is good; his mercy endureth for ever." The approval of God was everything to Israel. It was much, very much indeed, for what it was in itself; it was much also as an absolute assurance of national prosperity. Respecting the Divine approval, it:

1. Should be the first object of our heart's desire. For if we do not possess the favour of God, our heavenly Father, all other advantages are of little worth, and should wholly fail to satisfy us; while, if we do possess his favour, all difficulties, and even all distresses, may be patiently borne and even cheerfully accepted. To be the children and the heirs of God (Romans 8:17) is to be and to inherit that which is of transcendent worth.

2. Must be sought in the divinely appointed way; and that is, by the cordial acceptance of his Son as our Saviour, Lord, and Friend.

3. Will awaken our deepest joy and call forth our most fervent praise. We too shall celebrate the "goodness" and the "mercy" of the Lord; his praise will be continually upon our lips.

4. Must be maintained by faithfulness unto the end. For it is only when we "abide in him," and continue to "keep his commandments," that his love and his joy "abide in us" (John 15:6-11). - C.

I. PRAYER FOR GOD TO COME. This prayer was marked —

1. By its publicity.

(1)Public prayer, formally or virtually, has been the custom among all nations at all times.

(2)It is a "reasonable service."

(3)It is an impressive service. It evokes sympathy.

2. By its specialty.

3. By its success.

II. GOD AMONG HIS PEOPLE.

1. By symbol.

2. Permanently.

3. A source of blessedness. If God be among His people —

(1)He will help His ministers.

(2)The preaching of Christ will be a glory, a blessing, a satisfaction, a source of refreshment to the soul.

3. His providence will wear a very different aspect; in the darkest day we shall feel that all is well

4. The realisation of His presence will give the best idea of heaven — fits them for it and makes them desire it.

III. PRAISE TO GOD.

1. The theme of their praise: God's mercy.

2. Its timeliness.

3. Its acceptableness.Conclusion:

1. Learn the value of public worship.

2. Make it a test of your character.

3. Learn the privilege of true worshippers. It is a delightful employment. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good," etc.

4. You may ask, "What can we do to benefit by public worship?" Come to meet with God. Come in a prayerful spirit. Come with a thankful heart. Take heed what you hear. Be not forgetful hearers. Follow all with prayer that "the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified."

5. What can we do to promote it?

(1)Attend it regularly, punctually, and solemnly.

(2)Give your money abundantly and cheerfully to support it.

(T. Thoresby.)