On the day of Pentecost, the Word says that the Holy Spirit appeared as cloven tongues of fire, and touched each person in the upper room (Acts 2:3). On several occasions, we have accounts of the “glory of the Lord” filling a room. These are examples of times when God was among the people; and His presence was experienced by prophets and laymen alike.

1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. II Chronicles 7:1-3

In today’s reading, we see Solomon making another sacrifice to the Lord. This time, Solomon gives over twenty thousand oxen for a burnt offering. It is one unfathomable for some of us today. While the “sacrifice” required to please God has changed – since the perfect atonement for sin was made in one, Jesus Christ), the principle of sowing and reaping has never changed since the beginning of time itself.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:6-10

So what is it we see that Solomon has done in this offering?

He has given a sacrifice over and above – an exceeding sacrifice to the Lord.

Many people wish and hope and even pray to have something “in excess” – not needed by definition of necessity, but desired for additional purposes. Yet, how many of us are willing to make an exceeding sacrifice – to sow more than is required just to get by?