“’However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?”’” Acts 7:48-49a.
Stephen retells the Hebrew history from the establishing of the tabernacle, under Moses, up through the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, under Solomon. As he was standing on trial in this Temple building, Stephen abruptly shifts gears, focusing on God not living “in houses made by men.” In effect, he states that while his audience might believe that God resides right there in the building in which they stood, He, in fact, according to Isaiah, one of the revered prophets of Israel, could not be held in any man-made structure, no matter how grand or elegant.
I don’t know about you, but I have totally enjoyed this fall. The color changes in the trees have been spectacular in our part of the country! I had the opportunity recently to go away into the mountains for a few days, and at night, I would stand outside in the clear, crisp darkness, gazing into the vastness of the universe. In the morning, I would watch the sunrise paint beautiful hues of colors on the clouds, and in the evenings, I would delight in the last rays of sunlight dancing on the colorful trees. It was truly amazing and worshipful! And to have a bald eagle majestically glide in and through this picture was awe-inspiring!
These Hebrew leaders were offended by Stephen’s inference that God did not dwell in their Temple, and by that inference, was not restricted to their confining belief system. God was, and is, the untamable, un-box-able, mysterious Being, and yet He made Himself available and accessible.
Questions to consider: Was there ever a time that you tried to limit, contain, or put God in a box? What did that look like? Is there any way that you are doing that now?
Prayer: Most High God, who can confine You; who could possibly build a house that You could live in? Yet in the mystery of who You are, You choose to make Yourself most clearly known in Jesus, and You have given us Your Holy Spirit to reside within each one of us, as we invite You in. Help us to humbly appreciate the vastness of who You are and yet the intimacy that You allow us to experience in You. Amen.
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