I love reading about the construction of the Temple of the LORD. Perhaps that is not entirely true – I get sometimes lost in the dimensions listed or all of the specifics about the sizes of rooms or ways in which it was constructed. But I love the accounts attention to detail. I love that the Temple made here on earth to honor the LORD by His people Israel was special. It was not just a building. It was not made with leftovers and scraps. It was not created with low-end materials. It was created with intentionality. Symbolism. Hard work. Sacrifice.
God deserves nothing less, right? I mean, so often we give Him less. We are happy to give Him time… just not our best time. We are happy to give Him our money… just not the first fruits. We are happy to connect with Him… but only for an hour a week.
God deserves so much more.
Even the Temple, in all its glory, was less than what God truly deserves. It was man’s best attempt, and God was honored by it, but it still could not contain Him.
In King Solomon’s words, while the Temple was being dedicated, he says, “But will God really live on earth? Why even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built! Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. May you watch over the Temple night and day, this place where you have said, ‘My name will be there.’ May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place. May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.” (1 Kings 8:27-30)
The Heavens cannot contain our God. The best that we can imagine still falls short of the place where God dwells.
I love the reminder from these verses that while God cannot be contained, and while God will not dwell in an earthly home, His name will. And friend, there is so much power in His Name!
In His name, the miraculous happens. In His name, slaves are free. In His name, the sick are healed. In His name, the dead are raised. In His name, the lost are found. In His name, sin loses its power and grip on us. In His name, each and every need we have is met. In His name, we are transformed, renewed, forever changed. There is power in His name. And He allows – rather gifts us – with the presence of that name. The name which is above every other name.
We are blessed. We are loved. We are seen. We are known.
Friend, God has given us far more than we ever deserved, but He has given us all that we have ever needed. Revel in it.
Blessings!