Today's chapter in the bible is about David wanting to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant. If you don't have a bible please go to www.biblegateway.com.
David has built his home and now he wants to build a home for the Ark. David felt bad that he lived in a beautiful home while the Ark was in a temporary building - a tent. So David consults with Nathan the prophet that he wants to build a temple for the Ark. I like that David talks to the experts whenever he has a major decision to make. Nathan tells David to build it because God is with him. And I'm thinking - why didn't they both pray about this first? Verse 4 God does hear David's request and the word of God comes to Nathan that night and instructs Nathan what to tell David about building a home for the Ark. God reviews how he has traveled in the tent from the time he brought Israel out of Egypt. I thought what a great analogy! God dwells with the people where ever they move to, for they were somewhat nomadic. I wonder if I moved someplace where there isn't a church would my faith suffer because I didn't worship anymore? Then God instructs Nathan what to tell David. God reviews what he did for David, from his youth to today, from a shepherd boy to leader of the Israelite nation. God promises to make David's name great. God will subdue the enemies, and they will live in Israel. Verse 10-God will instruct David's descendants to build a temple. It was not yet time for the temple to be built. God promises greatness through David's line. Jesus is of the line of David.
Verses 16 to the end of the chapter David prays to God. First he praises God - and is humbled that God has made David his servant and is thankful for the promises God has given him. David acknowledges that God has heard his request to build a home for the Ark, and the promise God has given David.
How does all of this apply to me? I know I am a child of God, from the line of David. He loves me for who I am and he has created me for his purpose. I am thankful that I live in a country where I can freely worship God in any of a multitude of churches that you have provided for us. My family has worshipped God through the ages, and my children and grandchildren worship in your house.
Father God - we thank you that we can come to you with anything, and you will say yes, no, or later. We learn today that God sees Davids heart of wanting to worship him in a permanent temple, but it is not yet time to build a temple. God reveals his plan to David. We ask that when we petition God with our requests that we hear and accept God's response. Amen.
1 comment:
I'm sure if we moved somewhere where there was no church, the Holy Spirit in us would attract other believers and we'd end up hosting or attending a gathering of believers somewhere.
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