Where does God Dwell?
Where does God Dwell?
Where does God dwell?
Does He dwell in heaven above or on a high mountain?
Does He dwell in a mythical place?
Can you walk up to Him and talk to Him as you are right now?
God’s Desire to Dwell with His People throughout the Bible
IN THE PAST
First in his open creation of the world
Genesis 1&2. God speaks the earth into existence, gives life, and establishes order. God interacts with Adam and Eve in the creation mandate and instructs, provides, and empowers them.
While the word dwell is not present in the passage, the story implies that God is in their midst, establishing a relationship with those He created.
Second in Tabernacles
What does tabernacle literally mean?
“Tabernacle literally means 'place of dwelling' and was so called in the belief that God literally lived within its sacred confines.
When Israel camped, the tabernacle was set up in the precise center of the camp (symbolizing the idea that God was to be the center of his people's lives).”
NOW
In the lives of his children
The tabernacle gave way to the temple; so it is now, that the earthly temple gives way to the spiritual one
Acts 7:48-49
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet? Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
When is God with us? The Bible echoes over and over that God is with us Always.
God does not confine himself in any house made by man. God's real temple was greater than the building.
The Humble and Contrite in Spirit
Isa 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
A common question of society asks, where was God when tragedy strikes?
God dwells in his children’s deep depth of darkness.
Ps 23 “when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will be with me”
In the presence of my enemies
When we are all alone his presence is with us.
When we are hurting and in pain
When confronted with evil
When we are overwhelmed
When you are empty and spent
When you are under spiritual attack
Mankind Separated himself from God’s Dwelling Place
Genesis 3 displays the tragedy and consequences of sin as Adam and Eve are kicked out of the garden and can no longer dwell in harmony with God.
Brokenness enters the world.
God’s Pursuit to Dwell Again among Men
Exodus, Israel, has just been freed from the bondage of Egypt and their covenant with God confirmed.
God says in 25:8, "let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst."
Likewise, in 29:45, He says, "I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God.”
Leviticus 26:11-12. We read, “I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.”
In Jesus: God Dwells Among Men
John says (1:14): "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."
God Dwells in Men through the Holy Spirit
Jesus stated in John 14:7 “You know him (the Holy Spirit), for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Paul writes in 1 Cor 13:6, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"
God created man to be in relationship with Him, and as such, He delights to dwell with His people!
God wants to be included in our everyday lives
He’s the unseen attendee at every meeting or conversation.
What does the House of God look like?
He does not dwell in house made of wood and stone, but in our hearts and lives. Are we being deliberate about how we are building our Dwelling place for Him?
“And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Application:
Let God fill your life as wind fills a sailboat sails
Getting your home ready for God:
How about getting your home ready for the Lord? After getting saved in a prayer meeting, when Pat Robertson, Founder of Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) came home, he removed a huge vulgar picture in the living room that made him uncomfortable for the first time. He went on to drain the numerous, expensive liquor bottles from the fridge much to the astonishment of his family. Getting your home ready for God at times may require you to remove unwanted stuff!
When Jesus walked joyfully into the home of Zacchaeus, he had to give half of his goods to the poor and restore fourfold to those he had defrauded.
The gain and joy in the home of Zacchaeus was plentiful, though; the entire family was saved.
Can you say with confidence that the Spirit of God is dwelling in YOU!
