Yes, He Did!

Upon the completion of the temple built under the direction of King Solomon, when it was dedicated, Solomon prayed a beautiful prayer. ( 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 6) This prayer acknowledged the greatness of God, His covenant with the nation, the privilege that was Solomon's to be king upon his father's throne and the promise associated with its continuation, and requested God's merciful ear to respond when the nation acknowledged their sin as they prayed toward Jerusalem and the temple where God had placed His name. In that prayer, as Solomon acknowledged the truth this temple could in no way contain God, he asked what might rightly be viewed as a rhetorical question; one that really grabbed my attention in a different light than I believe Solomon asked it.

We read. . .
"(18) But WILL GOD INDEED DWELL WITH MAN ON THE EARTH? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!" ( 2 Chronicles 6:18 ESV) [also 1 Kings 8:27]

When I read that, I found myself saying, "Yes." It would happen. The time would come when exactly that would take place. When Jesus was born, remember the prophecy of which Matthew reminded his readers.

"(22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: (23) 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name IMMANUEL' (which means, GOD WITH US)." ( Matthew 1:22-23 ESV)

Also, remember how John introduced the Messiah in his Gospel by first noting His deity and oneness with God as "the Word" ( John 1:1-3) before going on to clearly state. . .

"(14) And THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." ( John 1:14 ESV)

Solomon asked, "But WILL GOD INDEED DWELL WITH MAN ON THE EARTH?" Indeed, for a short while He did and fulfilled all that He came to do before ascending back to the Father where He has gone to prepare an eternal place for us to dwell after we have completed our journey here on earth. Praise the Father for His coming. Let us live in anticipation of His second coming. And let us rejoice in the Way that has been opened to us for living with Him in eternal glory.

Have a great day PRAISING GOD FOR THE PROVISION OF HIS PRESENCE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Presence