The Master Creator

This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

The section of Isaiah preceding today’s scripture is God speaking to Israel, though they are in exile, captives of a foreign nation God used to bring judgment for Israel’s rejection of God. God reveals Himself to them, though they did not seek him. He promises to bring descendants out of the remnant of Jacob who will again possess the Holy Land. He will bring blessings for those that repent of their ways, but have no mercy for those that are unrepentant. He says he will create new heavens and a new earth, and Jerusalem will be a delight and His people a joy. In today’s scripture He contrasts that to what man will make to be God’s house. That whatever man makes will only be from He has already created. Man wants to build a house for God to gain favor with God, but God a house for His name is not what He wants. Again God makes clear it is not physical things that He wants from man, not a temple, an altar of stone, gold or other things man covets, but God wants a heart that desires Him above all else not matter the circumstance. As the scripture puts it, God wants “those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” It is good to check your heart regularly. Keep your heart following God, loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, love your neighbor as yourself.