A House Way To Small: Acts 7:48-50
“48) However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 49) ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is the footstool of My feet; What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord, ‘Or what place is there for My repose? 50) Was it not My hand which made all these things?’” Acts 7:48-50
Moses made the tabernacle in the wilderness and it was with Israel for a long time. David found favor with God and sought to build Him a house. Solomon actually built the temple.
But there was one problem, no house made with human hands can contain God. Isaiah 66:1-2 as quoted in this text captures the problem. Heaven is Gods throne and the earth is but His footstool. He created the universe, but it cannot contain Him.
I just walked outside and looked into the expanse of the night sky. I could only see what was visible from the small perch of my door step with my naked eye. It put these verses into perspective. The realization of my minute size, perspective, knowledge and understanding overwhelmed me. Just for fun, look up the literal definition of the word “minute.” It will help punctuate the problem.
People are forever trying to stuff God into boxes of their own making. Moses tried it. David tried it. Solomon tried it. The religious leaders in the days of Jesus tried it. What was the problem? The Son of God did not fit in their small boxes. So rather than smashing their tiny boxes, they crucified the Savior.
Beware, many today are doing the same thing. We limit God rather than begging Him to stretch us. Gods word is exceedingly broad. It defines truth, righteousness and holiness and points to God. It opens the door of salvation and paves the way for an unfathomable walk with God in the Spirit, but it leaves God in control.
He is sovereign, providential, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy and just, filled with love, mercy and truth, and ruler of all things. He is Creator, sustainer, owner, possessor of heaven and earth and He is the Eternal Judge.
As Creator, He is bigger than what He created. He is beyond science, physics, theology, philosophy and history. He has neither beginning nor end. Heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. Yet through His Spirit He dwells in every born-again and Spirit filled believer.
Welcome to the four gospels and the book of Acts. The New Testament is the beginning of the box shattering portion of the Bible. In these books we encounter the God of signs and wonders.
People ask me all the time if God still does miracles today? My response is “stop putting God in a box!” God is still God! He has not changed. The tabernacle could not contain Him. The temple couldn’t contain Him. The earth cannot contain Him. Heaven itself can not contain Him. Why do you think the little box of your limited perspective and understanding can contain Him?
I like the way Isaiah 66:2 reads; “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”
I want to be among that number. I seek to be humble and contrite of spirit and tremble at His Word. I beg Him to smash my tiny box as He reveals His surpassing glory and majesty to me through His Spirit and His word. I am but a spec of clay, He is the potter. Mold me and make me is what I pray.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
