“Dwell”

“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” (2 Chronicles 6.18)

How do you respond to God dwelling within you?

After Israel left Egypt, God instructed them to build a tabernacle, a holy tent (Exodus 26). The tabernacle was the special place for worship and sacrifice, and God dwelled there (Exodus 40.34). King David desired to build God a permanent temple, but God granted that privilege to David’s son Solomon (1 Chronicles 17.4, 11-12). After the temple was completed, Solomon gave a prayer of dedication. Solomon marveled that God would be willing to come down to dwell with people. God is everywhere and cannot be contained, but He desired to dwell in a special way with Israel in the temple. The Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, wanted to bless His people with His special presence.

Solomon’s temple was destroyed around 587 BC. The last temple was destroyed in AD 70 and was never rebuilt. So, where does God dwell today? Where does God come down to dwell with His people? God dwells within every Christian (1 Corinthians 3.16-17, 6.19; 2 Corinthians 6.16; 2 Timothy 1.14; 1 John 4.12, 15). A new era of redemption began when God became a man. Jesus, God the Son in the flesh, dwelt among people (John 1.14; Colossians 2.9). Jesus promised that His presence would come to His people in a new way. God the Holy Spirit had always dwelt among His people, but He would come to live within His people (John 14.16-17). The Holy Spirit first came to dwell inside believers at Pentecost (Acts 2.1-4). Now, without exception, all Christians have God dwelling within them (Romans 8.9, 11).

How are we to respond? Do you marvel at the fact that God would dwell within you? Jesus thought you worthy for Him to leave heaven, become a man, die on the cross for your sins, defeat death for you, and send His presence to dwell within you (Philippians 2.6-8). The Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, wanted to bless you with His special presence. One day, when God recreates heaven and earth, He will dwell with Christians in a brand new way (Revelation 21.3). We will see Him face-to-face (1 Corinthians 13.12). How do you respond to God dwelling within you?

God, thank You for dwelling within me. Thank You for guiding me with Your presence. Thank You for empowering me for Your service. Thank You for saving me from my sins. I am not worthy of Your presence or love, but You have counted me worthy. Help me to live a life worthy of Your presence and to praise You with this lowly temple. Amen.

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Dwell | 2 Chronicles 6.18
Weekly Bible Devotional

Written and Produced By:
Reverend David Lyda
Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church
Edgefield, SC

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.