Do We Need Physical Spaces to Connect with the Divine?

In this article, you will learn how Exodus 26:15 contradicts Genesis 1:31, Acts 7:48, John 4:24, Isaiah 66:1 and Matthew 18:20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

In the Bible, we encounter different perspectives on how and where human beings can connect with God. One example can be found in Exodus 26:15, which describes God's instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle. God commands the Israelites to make strong wooden boards from a special kind of wood to build a special tent for worship. The emphasis here is on creating a physical space dedicated to worship, symbolizing a tangible dwelling place for God among His people.

However, this concept seems to stand in contrast with several other passages that question the need for physical structures in divine worship. For instance, Genesis 1:31 highlights that all of creation was seen by God as 'very good,' implying that the entirety of the world is sufficient for communion with Him without additional man-made sanctuaries. Similarly, Acts 7:48 directly challenges the need for human-built temples, stating that the "Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands."

Adding to this, John 4:24 introduces the idea that God is spirit and seeks worship in spirit and truth, suggesting a focus on internal, rather than external, spaces for worship. Isaiah 66:1 also reinforces this by declaring God's vastness, with heaven as His throne and earth as His footstool, questioning the necessity of limited physical spaces. Finally, Matthew 18:20 suggests that wherever two or three gather in God's name, He is present, further contradicting the need for a singular, special structure.

These differing viewpoints invite us to reflect: Is a dedicated physical space essential for divine encounters, or are we capable of reaching God in the everyday spaces of our lives? This exploration of biblical verses challenges us to consider where and how we truly connect with the divine.