In my reading of Acts chapter 7 today, I am reminded of the words of the martyr Stephen who told the Sanhedrin that although David obtained favour from the LORD to build a temple to replace the Tabernacle, a task which was subsequently carried out by his son Solomon, the Most High does not dwell in buildings made by the hands of men.
Quoting from Isaiah chapter 66, Stephen point out that heaven is the throne of God, and the earth is a footstool for His feet, that in fact the entire universe is formed by the Hand of God.
"What kind of house will you build for me?" Stephen asked, quoting Isaiah 66:1
44 'Our forefathers had the Tent of the Testimony in the Desert, built as He who spoke to Moses had instructed him to make it in imitation of the model which he had seen.
45 That Tent was bequeathed to the next generation of our forefathers. Under Joshua they brought it with them when they were taking possession of the land of the Gentile nations, whom God drove out before them. So it continued till David's time.
46 David obtained favour with God, and asked leave to provide a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob.
47 But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.
48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in buildings erected by men's hands. But, as the Prophet declares,
49 'The sky is My throne, and earth is the footstool for My feet. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or what resting place shall I have?
50 Did not My hand form this universe.'
Acts 7:44 - 50 Weymouth New Testament
1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Isaiah 66:1 - 2 King James Version
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Iesus the Anointed One, let us pause and ponder over the greatness of God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let us remember that Heaven is the Throne of God, and Earth is a footstool for His Feet.
