2 Chronicles 5:1 - The Arts and the Worship Space

2 Chronicles 5:1 - Thus all the work that Solomon performed for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver and the gold and all the utensils, and put them in the treasures of the house of God. 

Message: The Arts and the Worship Space

Time: Originally one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles was separated into 2 books around 200 BC when the Greek version of the Old Testament was translated. Many historical sources were compiled to detail this history of God's people. It covers the time from Solomon’s ascension to the throne (971 BC) until the southern kingdom of Judah was finally carried into exile in Babylon in 586 BC. It focuses on Judah. 

What the Lord is Saying: Churches began in people's homes and then larger spaces were found to meet. As Christianity was legalized in Rome (323 AD), dedicated Christian sanctuaries were built and eventually from the 5th to 15th centuries more Gothic cathedrals and structures were built while some continued to meet in plainer buildings. Today, churches are even meeting in hold movie theaters or setting up daily at school auditoriums until their own buildings can be built or acquired. Thus, where we go is not as important as that we gather. 

It is normal and continues to be normal for houses of worship to be dedicated spaces for worshipping the Lord. 

Even in today's passage is the mention of gathering what is most precious to people and bringing them to the place in which people worshipped, the house of God. At the beginning of the history of God's people is the mention of the tabernacle and then later the temple of God was built. And so it seems likely that structures have been built for over 3,000 years. So it is normal for us to build these structures in all of their different sizes and dedicate places to the Lord. 

Summary: Places of worship are normal and should be present, either small places in homes or larger spaces that are rented or purchased. What is important is not always the form, but the function. 

Promise: While it is true that God can be worshipped anywhere, we are not to neglect the corporate worship of God's people. 

Prayer: Lord, again, I thank you for church and thank you for the gathering of people. I have so many memories of gathering with like-minded people in different places, from homes to apartments, to restaurants and basements (at Baylor), to small theaters and larger spaces, and even grandiose buildings of size and stature with beautiful artwork and special designated spaces for Worship. There have been many different forms, but the Word of God and the People of God has always been central. Thank you for working through us in this way and making You always the focus. Help me to continue to make this a priority and for those around me as well to make it a priority.