The Infinite Condescension of God

The Infinite Condescension of God.

1 Kings 9:1-9.
“I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever.”

The word condescension is often used negatively. Look in a Thesaurus, and you will find some words such as arrogance, aloofness, haughtiness, etc. However, the word itself means “voluntary descent from one’s rank or dignity in relations with an inferior.”  It is to relate and form a relationship with someone who is their inferior, and in doing so the person disregards the differences of position or rank. The word becomes negative when the rank is self-imposed or imagined. It only has a positive meaning when the status is authentic and valid. To understand God, we must recognize that God, in his perfections and being, is infinitely elevated above the realm of humanity. He is infinitely superior to what we can imagine or conceive of him. His rank is unequaled in all the universe, so no one is equal to him, and no one can approach him as a peer. Therefore, we cannot ascend to the vastness of the heavens to know him; instead, he must descend and reach down to our level and connect with us.  

The most remarkable statement of history and the ultimate act of condescension is when the God of the universe, who is unparallel in his being, was willing to dwell with his people. The Temple was to be more than just a place where people gathered to worship God and acknowledge his transcendence as if it were like a modern-day church. The tabernacle and then the Temple were to be the place where God dwelt among the people  (Exodus 29:43-46). This presence was symbolized by the ark of the covenant, along with its mercy seat. It was here God would meet with his people and well with them (Exodus 25:8).  

When God promises Solomon, “I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually” (1 Kings 9:3), he was promising Solomon that as long as the nation walked in obedience, he would be present with them. The Temple was to be the continual reminder that God, the one who created the universe and created the earth, was real, and he cared about human beings.

However, with this promise also came a warning. The Temple was not to be treated as some good luck charm or trinket guaranteeing God’s presence. If they rejected him and pursued other gods, if they refused to obey God, then the glory of God would depart, and they would face the judgment of God. His presence was to be treated with holiness and the recognition that his holiness demands holiness and righteousness on our part.

However, even the Temple was just a shadow. An even greater act of condescension would surpass the condescended presence of God in the Temple. This would come through the person of Christ. Christ would give the ultimate expression of humility when he took on the form of a servant and dwelt among us (Phil. 2). The God of the universe, who holds the infinite expanse of the heavens in the palm of his hand, condescended to dwell among us, who are merely a speck upon a planet that is a speck in the solar system, which is a speck in the Milkyway Galaxy, which is a mere speck among the vastness of the universe. Just as God “tabernacled” among the people in the Temple, so Jesus came in the flesh and “tabernacled” among us. This was the ultimate act of condescension. This he did to show us his love for us and to bring us the hope of salvation. There is only one response we can give to such a great act, and that is the response of surrender and worship to him in every facet of our life.