November 18, 2009

Texts:
2 Chronicles 6 and 7
Psalm 72

Chronicles:

It is interesting, as we prepare for Advent and the coming of Immanuel, "God with us", to read this prayer from Solomon:
‘But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! ¹⁹Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you. ²⁰May your eyes be open day and night towards this house, the place where you promised to set your name, and may you heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. ²¹And hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray towards this place; may you hear from heaven your dwelling-place; hear and forgive.'

What does it mean for God to reside with mortals on earth?