The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Chronicles 6:18,
"But will God really dwell on earth with humans?"
Solomon's prayer of dedication at the completion of the building of the temple is quite a prayer. Among other things, he asks the Lord to listen to his people when they come to the temple to pray. As he anticipates the temple as the locus of God's presence among his people, he asks the rhetorical question above. Will God indeed dwell with men?
The previous chapter closes with the following words, "Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God." 2 Chronicles 5:13b-14.
I am reminded that today, the answer to Solomon's question finds itself answered in a very unique way - a way that was established on the day of Pentecost, following Jesus' ascension into heaven, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19.
"But will God really dwell on earth with humans?"
Solomon's prayer of dedication at the completion of the building of the temple is quite a prayer. Among other things, he asks the Lord to listen to his people when they come to the temple to pray. As he anticipates the temple as the locus of God's presence among his people, he asks the rhetorical question above. Will God indeed dwell with men?
The previous chapter closes with the following words, "Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God." 2 Chronicles 5:13b-14.
I am reminded that today, the answer to Solomon's question finds itself answered in a very unique way - a way that was established on the day of Pentecost, following Jesus' ascension into heaven, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Not only does God dwell on earth with humans, but he dwells on earth in humans! In all those who have embraced him in faith, those who have received him, the Holy Spirit comes to make his presence right within our very hearts and lives!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
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