““But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built! Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. May you watch over this Temple night and day, this place where you have said, ‘My name will be there.’ May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place.”
1 Kings 8:27-29 NLT
As Solomon dedicates the temple twice, he mentions his awareness that the God of heaven is not contained by this temple. Instead it is a dwelling of choice. God chooses to dwell where it pleases him. The temple was built to honor God , but he chose to be among his people there because it pleases him to fulfill his covenant with David. This has been true of all of history and every interaction that God has with men. He lived among us as Christ because it pleases him. He lives among us in the Holy Spirit because it pleases him. This is in stark contrast to the gods worshipped in the area. They had to be cajoled into giving favor. It had to be earned. God does not start people with a deficit of affection. He starts them with a slate that is free and clear, and then gives them grace by which to make up the differences in our ontological state with his. When we dedicate anything to the service of the Lord, it is important to realize that we can only do this because it pleases him.
JOSH McGARY. COM 