December 26

Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? - 2 Chronicles 6:18.

GOD makes use of means for the accomplishment of his purposes; and could we see things as God sees them, we should always see that he employs suitable ones. While the weakness of his instruments shows his power, their adaptedness exhibits his wisdom. Solomon was the instrument here employed. Behold the whole Israel of God assembled together, and their king leading the devotions of the whole.

An ordinary mind would have been struck on this occasion with that vastness of the multitude, with the magnitude of the building, with the costliness of the ornaments; but Solomon overlooks all these, and only marvels at God’s noticing any of them, and therefore exclaims, “Will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?” Four things may be mentioned to show why it is so wonderful that God should dwell with men on the earth.

First, The mode of his intercourse. For observe that this is not looking towards them merely, and this he does. Not coming to them as a wayfaring man approaches an inn, when he turns aside to “tarry for a night.” Not visiting them as a friend calls upon a friend. A visitor is not an inmate, but a dweller is a resident, and this is the case with God; he takes up his abode with his people.

Secondly, Observe his infinite dignity and grandeur. This renders him matchless; here all examples fail, his greatness is unsearchable.

“And will the glorious Lord

Unto me condescend,

And will he write his name

My Father and my Friend?”

“THUS saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,” whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit, and that trembleth at my word,” “to revive the Spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Such a Being is he.

Thirdly, The meanness and unworthiness of those who are, indulged. This struck David as well as Solomon: “What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him?” It was thus also with Job: “What is man that thou shouldest magnify him, and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him, and that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?” What indeed! what are they, making the best of them, with whom he “in very deed dwells upon the earth?” If we take them as creatures, they are of yesterday, and know nothing; their foundation is in the dust, they are crushed before the moth.

If we take them as sinners, then we shall find them guilty, polluted, blind, deaf, and all over diseased. We shall find them all rebels, all traitors against the Divine Majesty; and therefore not only undeserving, but ill-deserving and hell-deserving creatures. And it is alone of his “mercy that they are not consumed.” Will God dwell with such upon the earth?

Fourthly, Observe the humility which religion always inspires. Man is naturally as proud as he is poor, but the day of conviction is a day of humiliation.

“The more thy glories strike mine eye

The humbler I shall lie,

Thus while I sink my joys shall rise

Immeasurably high.”