WHERE DO YOU KEEP JESUS?

Acts 7:45-50

"Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for him. However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?' says the Lord. 'Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?'"

Stephen previously explained, through the example of God's appearance to Abraham that God does not live in a place. He now goes on (verses 49-50), using the familiar scriptural references from Isaiah 66:1-2, to make his point that neither does God live in a building. The Jews went from taking God with them every where they went, to building a house for Him, and visiting Him when it was convenient. Do you see yourself in this story?

I've seen it and experienced it hundreds of times. A person is saved and is on fire for the Lord; a Bible is always on hand; Jesus dominates all their conversations; and there are never enough church services or bible studies to attend. Then over time the fire rages less -- there is room for other points of view and other activities. Compartmentalization begins: work is for work, play is for play, and church is for church. Activities and Jesus are separated -- religion isn't let into the office or onto the basketball court. (One of the key symptoms is when people are surprised to learn you are a Christian.)

At this point we need an attitude adjustment, and that is why the Lord puts things in the proper perspective for us when we are confused: "Heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool." That kind of tells you who is in charge, and where God is. God goes on to ask you a question: "Has not my hand made all these things?" God made your career and He made the basketball court, so why do you keep Him in church?

In what area of your life have you compartmentalized Jesus? Does He go with you wherever you go? Under what circumstances would you be tempted to leave Him at church? What behavior or attitude needs to change?

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