Acts 7 - 9.10.24
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 7:48 - 50
48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?’
OBSERVATION
This scripture isn’t necessary saying that building God’s house (church or temple) is a bad thing. The idea behind this scripture is a matter of pride. Are we above God that we’ll plan where he’ll live? God doesn’t live in a church building but resides in Heaven. God doesn’t need a physical building but we can use it as a place to honor God, fill it with our praises, invite his presence but not be a place to boast or use for prideful reasons. Is God’s position in the proper place in our life or are we occupying a place where God needs to be? Is He being honored for who he is or do we pridefully think we have any power or position to do anything in the name of God?
APPLICATION
Human “religious effort” can easily become anyone’s focus. It’s so easy to slide right into doing something “for God” but it’s not God’s business. Stephen was highlighting the fact that God is higher and above all these things. We can’t build a temple (church) and think that God will live there. Who are we to even think that we have any control over God’s plans? His actual home is on the throne in heaven. Earth is just where he rests His feet as a footstool. The idea is that earth and the things in it are subject to God. Nothing on earth is bigger than God. He’s the one who created everything on earth so why would he need us to build anything for him? He’s far above and bigger than anything our minds can behold.
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8
Our human views about Godly things are where we all can fall. Any time we put ourselves in the driver’s seat of Godly matters, we have fallen down into a prideful pit. As followers of Christ, to avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to remember God’s place and our place. We can choose to be humble, and uphold God’s place on the Throne or become prideful and think our plans are above His.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always check my motives and actions in everything I do. Keep me from falling into the trap of “religious” actions. You are a mighty God, above all others, who sits on the throne in heaven. I’m sorry for ever thinking that I could do something on a human level when you’re the one who holds the heavens together, the sun, moon and stars in the sky. I am nothing without you. Your plans are perfect. Let me never forget my position as your servant, humble before your throne, and only wanting your ways. I’m thankful for your church where we can invite your Holy Spirit and worship you. Help me to always remember your proper position in the big picture of life as the Almighty God. In Jesus name…Amen!
- Mary Oberg
