(1 Kings 8 v. 27)
I started to write this post earlier, but suddenly got overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy. Introducing this verse "properly" would involve giving the background story about King Solomon (who makes the above statement) and the context (he's built a temple, the Holy of Holies, to house the returning Ark of the Covenant). It's a story that evolves over many chapters of the Old Testament and is referenced numerous times in the New Testament. I do know the essence of the story, but not enough to give you the whole background to this verse.
How interesting that I set aside this post after being overwhelmed with inadequacy. Was that the Lord telling me to set it aside? Of course not. It was the ancient accuser of the brethren, reminding me of what I am not.
What's really funny (thank You, Lord -- love that You're bouncing this back on him with such irony) is that what I am NOT is more or less exactly what my post is about.
Besides, if you're reading this, you didn't come here to find out about what I am or am not. The more my research might impress you, the less you might be interested, because that's not what this site is for.
This house which I have built -- even my obedience, my praise, my commitment -- are just dust next to You, my wonderful God. In fact, the "house" didn't originate with me -- the obedience, the praise, the commitment are all the work of Your Holy Spirit. I did nothing! I said "yes," and You did the rest. Even every "yes" I give You comes ultimately from You.
Heaven and the highest heaven [the heaven of heavens] cannot contain You. How tiny everything is next to You, how insignificant! You are the Master, the glorious, creative, perfect One who out of nothing conceived light and air and sound, earth and sky, amoeba and DNA, the human eye, the human hand, the human mind, the human spirit.
And yet here You are, not only caring about what happens in my little world, but inviting me to know You, to really know You, more deeply every day.
My human temple cannot contain You, Lord, and yet You live within it. What a magnificent paradox! No wonder Your enemy, my accuser, would like me not to talk about this. He'd rather make us think we have to enlarge ourselves to become big enough for You, but all You ask is that we come to You in our tininess and let You fill us with Yourself. It's not about what I can do, it's about what You can do. It's not about who I am, it's about who You are.
The heaven of heavens cannot contain You, Lord, nor can they contain the love which You are building in the hearts of those whom You inhabit, who come before You daily in their inadequacy and say "yes." Even a tiny, frightened "yes" is enough. The rest is in Yours.