Monday, June 28, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Tony Sundermeier
This text from 1 Kings 8 details the completion of the Temple following a seven-year building campaign. Under the direction of King Solomon, the Temple was constructed with the finest materials: cedarwood from Lebanon, cypress, bronze, silver, gold, and the finest cut and smoothed stone. Constructed by the finest craftsmen of the day, the Temple was as ornate as it was beautiful.
But even in its decadence and splendor, Solomon knew that this magnificent edifice couldn’t fully contain the presence of God. During his dedication speech, Solomon says, “Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built!” In the New Testament, we hear echoes of Solomon’s wisdom in the words of the martyr, Stephen. In Acts 7:24, Stephen declares, “The Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands.”
God is too big, too untamed, too free to ever be contained by any doctrine we invent or any structure we create. Theologically speaking, this fact cannot be understated or undersold. As Reformed Christians, we confess that God is bigger than our sanctuaries, bigger than our doctrines, and bigger than our expectations regarding how we expect God to work or show up in our lives or within the life of the world. God is not small. God cannot be contained. And while we meet God in sanctuaries and sacred places, we know that God is not bound by them.
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
