1 Kings 8:22-30, 9:1-3 In our day and age, most of us don't worship in huge elaborate houses of worship. Most of us worship in fairly pedestrian settings; whether it is in a modest building built to be a church, or as in my case, a remodel of a structure which once served a very different purpose. The space tells a lot about our idea of who God is and what His presence means to us.
A downtown mission may have very rustic benches and scarce decoration. This scene may be desirable to create the sense that God is not put off by those who are down and out. A church in the historic section of town may have been built decades or even centuries prior and serve as a reminder that God is not put off by riches or solid planning.
What is important is the priority which is placed on the actual presence of God in the space used in His name. Building a place of magnificence solely so people of influence will have a place worthy of their attendance is wrong. Just as wrong is the group which prides themselves on their poverty, and hides their laziness or stinginess behind a mask of holiness.
Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple showed his understanding that we cannot build something that is too majestic for God. Anything we come up with is an embarrassment if we think that God will be impressed with our labors. Solomon's prayer recognizes God's promises and faithfulness in the past and counts on God's continued faithfulness in the future, recognizing that it is all a gift from God. God owes us nothing. Yes, He made a covenant with Israel, but it is completely one sided in our favor. We do what we can do with what He gave us to begin with, and He protects and provides for us and gives us eternal life. So God's presence in our midst is the bottom line. If He's not here, we have nothing.
What to we have to brag or complain about?
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