Who is establishing your house for you?
Once the ark comes to Jerusalem, David is embarrassed that he lives in a palace of cedar while the ark remains in a tent. He therefore offers to build a house, a temple, for God.
God’s response to David’s offer is surprising. Instead of David building a house for the Lord, the Lord promises to build one for David, not a literal house, but a dynasty, “the house of David” (comparable to “the house of Windsor” in England). Before David there is no dynasty among judges, prophets, or kings, since the sons of Eli, Samuel, and Saul prove a disappointment to God and to the people. By contrast, David will have a son blessed by God who will establish his kingdom.
David responds with a heart-felt prayer of thanksgiving and praise. He knows he does not deserve this great blessing, but he boldly calls on God to keep his promises. He praises God as the one who delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt, the God whose words are trustworthy and powerful, the God whose will rules over all. David knows he has not brought blessings to Israel, but the Lord God who reigns in mercy has showered them with his love.
Next Steps
Take a few minutes today to ponder who has established the place where you live, move, and have your being.
Prayer
God the Giver, we praise you as the one who always gives more than we deserve.
DR. GARY HOLLOWAY
Gary Holloway is Executive Director of the World Convention. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, The University of Texas, and Emory University, he has written or edited thirty books, including (with Douglas Foster) Renewing God’s World: A Concise Global History of the Stone-Campbell Movement from ACU Press. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway.
Thanks for that prayer. Needed it.
So so true….God always gives /blesses me with more than I deserve. Praises!