“Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that He would dwell in a dark cloud; I have built a magnificent temple for You to dwell in forever.” (2 Chronicles 6:1 NIV)
Up until this point, God had dwelt with His people on earth as a cloud. He had walked with His people; leading and lighting the way. He had hovered over the tabernacle – an earthly shadow of the heavenly real . But solo on saw fit to build a house for God. He made great sacrifices of wealth and worship. And God moved in.
God goes where He’s invited.
I’ve been binge watching The Chosen and the other night I vicariously attended the wedding at Cana. The newly-appointed disciples wonder which an ordinary wedding would call the attention and attendance of their Master, but I see this same principle at play. God goes where He’s invited.
God is content in a tent or a temple, at a wedding feast or a funeral, in the heart of a prince or a pauper. He fills and reforms any part of our world that we are willing to surrender. He longs to dwell with us: Immanuel is still His agenda.
“And surely I am with You always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
Lord, we are wowed by Your with-ness. Thank You for loving us, pursuing us, keeping us close, We surrender our hearts as vessels for Your presence: go ahead and take up residence. Lay claim to our frames, fill us with Your Spirit and make us Your forever home! Amen.