One of the big picture concepts in today's reading is the idea of Jerusalem as the location of God's presence. It seems very odd to most of us to talk about God's presence being at the temple or in Jerusalem. What do we make of this? The Bible, both Old and New Testament, is very clear that God is omnipresent. I recently read an article that indicated Luther's understanding of the issue is that when the Bible refers to a place of God's presence, it is referring to that place or condition which God has specifically ordained for worship. In today's readings, that is Jerusalem. In the New Testament we see that it is any place where Word and Sacraments are rightly administered. So when we consider God's presence, yes, God is with me sitting on my porch or driving my car. But his presence is somehow specially present when I am assembled with other believers in the context of a divine worship service.
Kick the idea around a little. Does it fit?
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