Even Heaven Cannot Contain God

Readings:
II Chronicles 6:1-21
Acts 17:24-34

Focus:
II Chronicles 6:18b: "Heaven itself, the highest heaven, cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!"
Acts 17:24: "The God who created the world and everything in it, and who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands."

Solomon built the temple that his father David had planned. When it was done, he led the people in prayers of consecration, and asked God to bless it. Solomon knew that God would not truly dwell there, but he asked that when people turned their hearts towards the temple in prayer, that God would hear, and consider the prayers as being made towards him.

Centuries later Paul used this same knowledge, that God cannot live in a human dwelling, to tell the Athenians about the true God. Although some scoffed, many were interested and ended up becoming believers.

Today we also know that God does not live in churches and temples. Instead, they are places where we can gather to worship God together. They can also be centers of ministry to help other people. Above all, they must be used for God. But we must always remember that God is infinitely greater.