The Anticipated King: Day One
Day 1: The Chasm We Cannot Cross
Devotional
Have you ever felt the weight of distance between you and God? Maybe it's guilt from a recent mistake, shame from past failures, or simply the overwhelming sense that God feels impossibly far away. You're not alone in this struggle. Even King Solomon, in all his wisdom and at the height of Israel's glory, wrestled with this very question during the Temple dedication. Solomon understood something profound: there's a chasm between holy God and sinful humanity that we simply cannot bridge on our own. When he asked whether God could truly dwell with people on earth, he wasn't questioning God's power—he was acknowledging our predicament. Sin has created a separation so vast that even our best efforts fall short. This isn't about God being unwilling to be near us; it's about recognizing the reality of who He is and who we are. The infinite, perfect God of the universe cannot be contained even by the highest heavens, let alone reached by our finite, flawed attempts. This truth might feel discouraging at first, but it's actually the beginning of hope. Recognizing the chasm is the first step toward understanding grace. When we stop trying to minimize our sin or overestimate our ability to fix things, we position ourselves to receive what only God can provide. The distance isn't too far for Him to cross—it's just too far for us to bridge.
“But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth?
Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built!
- 2 Chronicles 6:18
Reflection Question
What areas of your life make you feel most distant from God, and how might acknowledging your inability to bridge that gap actually be the beginning of hope?
“When our sin creates a chasm that we cannot cross,
how can God ever draw near again like he did before?” - Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
God, I confess that I often feel the weight of distance between us. Help me to honestly acknowledge the chasm that my sin has created, not in despair, but in hope that You are the one who can bridge what I cannot cross. Thank You that my limitations don't limit Your love.