May 7: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17

May 7, 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17

2 Samuel 7 Do you truly believe that God knows what is best for you? We will see in todays reading that even when we want to do something for the Lord, He may have a different plan for our lives and for His Kingdom. 

God had given David some rest from his enemies and David wanted to build God a house to live in, the Temple. Nathan, his prophet, confirmed what David wanted, and gave him permission to build God a home (seems like a pretty noble thing to want to do for God). That is, until God revealed to Nathan His own plans for David. God gave Nathan a direct word for David, and the answer was No. God had been living in a tent for all these years and never complained or said that He wanted a house. God reminded David that He took him from being a little shepherd boy out in the filed to prince over Israel, and God had been with him to make him great. Instead of David being able to make God a house, God was going to make David a house - but this is metaphoric because David already had a house. The house that God was going to make for him was an everlasting one, through David’s line (Jesus came from the line of David…). Moreover, when David is old and about ready to die, God will raise up one of his kids to take over the throne (Solomon), and God will be like a Father to him. God will discipline him when he sins and always be with him. David's son will not be like Saul, that God removed from power. It is interesting to note here… Solomon is the son of David and daughter of Bathsheba - we will get to this story soon, but for now, note that David and Bathsheba’s relationship started out very displeasing to God, but yet God ordained it, planned it, and later redeems it, and had it in His great plan. On a positive note, as a father, it would be amazing to hear that your son will follow Yahweh and also be able to surpass you when he grows up.

David’s response to God is incredible. David came to God in a prayer of absolute humility. Not referring to himself as King, but as God’s servant. David went and sat before the Lord. The phrase, O Lord God, was used by David 8 times in this one prayer, showing David’s closeness with God. David is thankful that God has spoken to him, and the fact that God is so great for allowing David to know it. Bless the Lord!

1 Chronicles 17 The account of the Chronicler is not that much different than that of 2 Samuel 7. It shares the heavy emphasis on the Sovereignty of God and the love of God. God will have His way! But there is one thing, that is interesting and that is the promise that the Lord makes to David's son, Solomon, and that is that the Lord will not take His love from David's son, as the Lord took it away from Saul (verse 13). Another interesting thing is that in David's prayer to the Lord, he calls himself 'a servant' 10 times. Understanding that although, David is now a king, he is still a servant of the Almighty...

To sum it all up:

• Sometimes God says No, when we want to hear a yes. But - do you trust that God’s no is better than the yes that you wanted?
• Even when things look completely desolate in your life, know that you are in God’s plan and God’s hand - like David, God will work it all out for His kids (Rom 8).
• What does it all really come down to? It really is all about God. He is planning all things and working them out. Forget about your earthly squabbles and focus on the God who loves you. Get over yourself and move on to consuming your lives and thoughts about God. What do we learn from 1 Thessalonians 5? Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• Even in our sin, God works out everything for His purposes and Glory!
• Where is your heart? Is it to build something great for God, or to build something great for yourself? We see today where David’s heart was as a servant. How do you see yourself today? A king? Or a servant of the Almighty?