I once heard of Louie Giglio criticizing the church for calling it the "House of God." He was getting to the point of "how can we confine God to a house?" It is absurd for us to call our house (church building) the "house of God!"
Today in churches we call our church on Sunday morning the "house of God." I wonder, do we use that phrase too lightly, or even out of context, or maybe even with a misguided hope, or a misunderstanding?
Solomon had the right idea. He says this:
And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? ~2 Chronicles 2:5-6:
What a statement! Who is able to build a house for God, for even the heaven of heavens cannot contain him!
I see 2 things. First, the greatness of the house. God is great, how then can I build a house great enough for my great God? And 2, What is the house and what is it's purpose?
Here is how I see this house of God. It is as a temple, a place of habitation. What was it that God wanted so much? God reiterates His original desire in 1 Kings 6:13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. God wanted so clearly to have Israel be His people, and He be there God! He wanted to dwell among them....with the building of this temple would be the Holy of Holies where, if I remember correctly, God's very presence would come down.
But Jesus comes. He dies, and rips the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies. What does this say about the House of God?
1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
It says that Your body is a house (temple) of God. (So how great can we make our bodies to be host to such a great God? I believe here is scriptural reason and reminder to take care of our bodies.--2 Chrn. 2:5. How well we take care of our bodies is a direct reflection to how great God is that lives in us??) As God desired for Israel to be His people, and He there God, so now He desires for you to be His child, and He your Father. It is Christ in you. We now receive the very presence of God in our life through the Holy Spirit.
Let us use the phrase "House of God" with understanding, and not so..carelessly, or lightly, but with great reverence! Our God is magnificently great, and vast beyond belief. Let us not idly limit God to the walls of our church building. Let us not create a God of our own, that fits within our walls, but yet, when we say the phrase "house of God", let us remember that God is great above all gods and that the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him. Let us not think so highly of ourselves to think that God will inhabit our church building, "house" on Sunday morning JUST because we say the words "welcome to the House of God". Don't miss the point....Just as we ought not to say "God we humble ourselves before you", but we should say "God we cannot humble ourselves enough", so too we should say "God you are so great that no house we have can fully contain you."
I also am reminded through reading, that we are all appointed special gifts and talents. Just as the men of Tyre were skilled to cut timber in Lebanon at the very best (2 Chrn. 2:8). God provides. If there is something you cannot do, prayerfully look around. God may provide someone who can do what you cannot. Even more so, If God has a plan for you, He will provide those you need to accomplish His plan. Another reason to be humble.
Scripture Memory:
Duet. 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations"
reflection: "Know that the Lord thy God, He....is.....God...."
He is faithful
He keeps His promises.
His promises endure.
Love God.
Keep His commandments.
1 comment:
Nicely Put!
I was once in my church when an older gentleman came in and he said something to the effect of he was so happy to be the house of the Lord because the Holy Spirit just met him right at the door. I think I just stared blankly for a little while...
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