June 20, 2023
Daily Reading – 1 Chron. 17-19 / John 20
GOD’S WORD:
1 Chronicles 17:5 For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.
GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:
Over the years I have had people get upset with others who used the church building for other functions. I do understand their concerns at times. This building, known as the church house, is special and not like just any other building. This place has been set apart for the worship of the Lord and is special. However, we must remember, this is simply a building made with sticks and bricks. While it is true, God is omnipresent, meaning everywhere at once, God does not inhabit this building standing empty of its people, any more than He would dwell in the train station downtown. God has never been consumed with the idea of dwelling in structures. He has always been much more interested in dwelling where man is.
In 1 Chronicles 17:5 God conveys this truth to King David. He said, “For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.” God did present Himself in the tabernacles, and later in the temples built, as a central place to worship Him. Yet, at the same time, we find God present in the battles Israel fought, dealing with the people when they would sin, and speaking to the prophet Nathan in 1 Chronicles 17:3 at home during the night. While God may present Himself to man at various places, God has always desired to be where man is, not in a box.
GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:
Today, God dwells in the soul of every child of God. If we are in the Church House, God is there. Also, when we are in our own house, this selfsame God is there. What a comfort to know He is ever present in our lives.
Since God dwells where man is, where are you taking Him?
“Getting people into the Word of God…
… and the Word of God into people.”
Romans 10:17
Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12