This afternoon I went to see National Geographic’s IMAX movie “Jerusalem.” While mentioning the Jebusites, the earliest known inhabitants of the land, the film focused on the histories of the three current faiths which share the city: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout the film, Jews and Muslims who live in the city stated repeatedly that their faiths believe Jerusalem is the place on earth closest to God, that on that one particular spot, humanity can be heard by the Creator.

As I watched and listened, however, the words of the man responsible for building the first Temple for the Jewish people kept rolling in my mind:
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” ~Solomon (1 Kings 8:27)

We serve a God not limited by location.

But then Isaiah foretold, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (7:14).

And Matthew explained, “20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us) (Chapter 1).

Muslims and Jews revere Jerusalem as the place humanity can reach God.

Christians celebrate it as the place God came down to man.

Will God indeed dwell on the earth?

Yes, Solomon, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, just as He said He would.