“God Is Omnipresent” Series| Heaven Can’t Contain God | October 5, 2020
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)
The Mosaic Covenant
The Mosaic Covenant was a promise by God to the nation of Israel that the Israeli nation agreed to. It is found in Exodus 19:3 – 8:
Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD. (NIV)
God’s presence in the desert
The Ark of the Covenant was one of the most instrumental symbols of faith and God’s presence, the contents of which included the tablets of the Mosaic law, a pot of manna, and the rod of Aaron. The origin stemmed from Exodus 25:20 where Moses was commanded by God to “make an ark of acacia wood.” It was also a marker for where the presence of God would rest and where God would talk to His people. Moses had the Ark of the Covenant while the Israelites were still wandering the desert. When the priests weren’t carrying it, it was held in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. After Solomon built the temple, it was moved there.
The ark of the covenant was the place of presence. While the Lord was present among His people in the exodus (Ex. 13:17 – 18, 21– 22), He localized this presence in the tabernacle for the benefit of His sinful people. “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (Ex. 25:8). But in an even more specific way, the ark served as the place of the presence of God. His presence would be seen as a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way during the day and a pillar of fire by night to give the Israelites light so they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people (Ex. 13:21 – 22).
David’s desire for a temple
King David did not like the thought of living in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord was under a tent. It was David’s desire to build a temple for the God of Israel to symbolize what the original tabernacle was intended to be. Because David shed much blood, God gave the assignment of building the temple to his son Solomon. God wanted His temple to be constructed by a King of Peace rather than a King of Wars. Therefore, God honored David’s desire through his son Solomon (1 Chronicles 17).
Solomon’s prayer of dedication
King Solomon completed the work of building a temple for God. In 1 Kings 8:6, the priests placed the Ark of the Covenant in the sanctuary of the temple in the Most Holy Place. When everything was in place, Solomon prayed a prayer of dedication for the temple. The prayer includes our text for this devotional, 1 Kings 8:27: “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” Solomon was affirming to God that he realized that God is omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). He states the insignificance of the temple that was to symbolize God’s presence in comparison to God’s presence everywhere.
Gods’ dwelling place today
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” Think about that. When you accepted Christ as your personal savior, the Holy Spirit regenerated you, indwelt you, baptized you, and sealed you (RIBS). Yes, God is dwelling within His earthly children. Believers in Christ are the residences of God on Earth. His presence within us allows us to represent Him to the world of both believers and unbelievers. What a tremendous gift and responsibility He has given us while on this earth.
My prayer for you, me, and First Baptist Church
May God grant us more opportunities to represent Him to the world and be that salt and light that this world needs. If there were ever a time that Christians and Christian churches needed to make their presence known to this evil world, it is now.
Blessings from Carlton Ringer