God’s House

By Peter Crause

Isaiah 57:15 For this says the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Someone wisely said; “The New (Testament) is in the Old (Testament) concealed; the Old is in the New revealed.” Everything we have in Christ under the New Covenant was pr-figured in the Old Testament writings. Jesus said:

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

I think we all understand that in Jesus’ day, the Scriptures were the Old Testament writings. It is only as we fully understand the New Covenant of Grace that we can “see Jesus in every Old Testament book of the Bible!” Under the “Old Covenant”, God’s manifest presence was seen in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle in the wilderness and later the Temple at Jerusalem. The temple could thus rightly be called the “House of the Lord.” The Psalmist repeatedly revealed his delight in going to the “House of the Lord” in his writings. It was there the Lord met with His people – where the “House of Prayer” was – where the Glory of their God was manifested – where their sins were dealt with – where their forgiveness was pronounced and procured. The Temple or “House of the Lord” was central to the entire life of Israel.

In spite of all the above, we see in our scripture reference where the Heart of the Lord was – where He desired to dwell. The entire religious system of the Israelites was because the Lord desired to be amongst His people – the temple and sacrificial system was put in place to deal with the things that separated the Lord and His beloved people – sin; sin and more sin!

To the casual reader, it would seem the emphasis under the Old Covenant was sacrifice – an incessant slaughtering of animals for their blood to atone for the people’s sins. Yet, it was not so:

1Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

What the blood sacrifices of old accomplished in part was fully realized in the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. There the sin issue was dealt with “once for all” – never again to be repeated. Now the Lord could do and be to His people what He always desired – to dwell amongst them and in them. To commune with them – to fellowship with them – paradise restored – to walk in the “cool of the day” – daily; as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. What a display of grace and love! We used to sing a song:

How big is God?

How big and wide His vast domain?

To try to tell, my lips can only start!

He’s big enough, to fill this mighty universe!

Yet small enough; to dwell within my heart!

Can it be that this mighty; awesome; omnipotent God would even want to do such a thing? Happily I can say YES; YES; YES!

Jesus “cleared the deck” – so that He; the Almighty could live amongst His people – unhindered and eternally.

Unfortunately, the “unregenerate” nature of man is still the same as that displayed by Adam and Eve in the garden – they hid themselves for fear from the loving advances of God. Man still tries to do a “cover-up” of his deeds – fig-leaves indeed – as if that could hide his nakedness from the Lord. Today mankind still considers the physical Church Building as the “House of the Lord.” They give reverence to it as if it were God’s dwelling place. I think some reverence and respect is due however; but really; without the people being there, the building is quite void of the manifest presence of the Lord. Today the Church; the people and not the building are God’s House. If we want to give reverence, give it to those who are fellow “stones” – as Peter says “living stones” – when we slight a fellow believer we are in effect slighting the Lord. Paul found this out when confronted by the Living Lord – “Saul, Saul; why are you persecuting me?” – When he was persecuting the Church.

What is the summation of all this? What ensures our place in the “House of God”? Can we be part of the “House of God”; or is it a benefit only for the select few? Can it be that the Mighty Eternal God who fills heaven and earth and inhabits eternity wants to and does inhabit “poor, miserable sinful me”?

Thank God the answer is “Yes He does!” – To those with contrite hearts; those who acknowledge they need Him – are lost without Him. Those who have humbled themselves and “knelt at the Cross”; owned Jesus as their Lord and Savoir; are placed into the “House of God”. We who have done this are indwelt by the great God of the Universe. We have the right to walk and talk with Him. We can come “boldly” to His throne of Grace. He is with us continually – never to leave or forsake us.

How this should humble us! How this should bring joy to our hearts! How this should give us a fresh appreciation for our fellow believers! What a mighty and loving God we have! Dear ones – God is for you – He’s not against you. Enjoy and delight in His presence! You are God’s House!