Preaching on The Dwelling Place of God: The Place Where He Reigns
Today we contemplate the majestic dwelling place of our God, the locus of His sovereign reign and the source of His boundless glory. While His presence permeates all creation, the scriptures speak of a specific realm, a heavenly habitation, from which He looks down upon His creation and to which our prayers ascend. Let us explore the significance of God's dwelling place.
1. God dwells in heaven, a place of holiness and glory (Deuteronomy 26:15)
"Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey." Deuteronomy speaks of heaven as God's "holy habitation," a place distinct from the earthly realm, characterized by holiness and glory. From this exalted position, He looks down in blessing upon His people and His promises.
2. Prayer reaches God's heavenly dwelling place (1 Kings 8:30)
"Therefore hear the prayer of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; hear in your dwelling place in heaven; hear and forgive." Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple acknowledges that while the temple was a place for God's name to dwell, His ultimate dwelling place is in heaven. It is to this heavenly abode that our prayers ascend, seeking His ear and His forgiveness.
3. The God who dwells in heaven answers the cry of his people (2 Chronicles 30:27)
"Then the priests and the Levites stood up and blessed the people; and their voice was heard, for their prayer reached even to his holy dwelling, to heaven." This passage illustrates the efficacy of prayer reaching God in His heavenly dwelling. When His people cry out to Him, their voices are heard in His holy abode, and He responds according to His will and grace.
4. God's dwelling place is beyond human comprehension (Job 22:12)
"Is not God in the heights of heaven? Look at the highest stars, how high they are!" Eliphaz reminds Job of the vastness and transcendence of God's dwelling place in the heights of heaven. It is a realm beyond human comprehension, emphasizing God's infinite nature and His position far above earthly limitations.
5. Whoever dwells with God desires no good other than Him (Psalm 73:25)
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is no one on earth I desire besides you." The Psalmist expresses a profound truth about those who have their hearts set on God's presence, His spiritual dwelling place. Their deepest desire is for Him alone, eclipsing any earthly longing or aspiration. To dwell with God is to find ultimate satisfaction in Him.
6. The soul rises towards the throne of the divine dwelling (Psalms 123:1)
"Unto thee I lift up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens." Lifting our eyes towards heaven is a symbolic act of our souls rising towards God's throne, His divine dwelling place. It signifies our dependence on Him, our hope in His mercy, and our longing for His presence.
7. God declares that his true dwelling place is in heaven and in the humble heart (Isaiah 66:1)
"Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? And what will be the place of my rest?" God Himself declares that while heaven is His majestic throne, His true resting place is also in the humble and contrite heart. This reveals a beautiful paradox: the transcendent God also desires to intimately dwell within those who are humble before Him.
8. The Christian's prayer must recognize that God dwells in heaven (Luke 11:2)
"And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be 1 done, on earth, as it is in heaven." Jesus instructs us to begin our prayers by acknowledging God as "Our Father which art in heaven." This foundational recognition of His heavenly dwelling reminds us of His sovereignty, His glory, and the ultimate source of all good things.
9. The true dwelling place of God transcends temples made by human hands (Acts 7:49)
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?" Stephen, quoting Isaiah, reminds us that God's true dwelling place is not confined to physical structures built by human hands. While places of worship are significant, God's presence transcends them, residing in heaven and in the hearts of His people.
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- Preaching on Looking to God: Source of Inspiration, direction and Help
- Preaching on Lust: A Sin Against the Holiness of God
Conclusion
Therefore, let us lift our hearts and our prayers towards heaven, the majestic dwelling place of our God. Let us recognize His transcendence and His glory, while also embracing the profound truth that He desires to dwell intimately within our humble hearts. May our lives reflect a deep awareness of His heavenly reign and our constant communion with Him through prayer and a yielded spirit. Amen.
