January 22
Psalm 101-105, 2 Samuel 7-8
Imagine David walking about his newly constructed palace. It felt so luxurious and noble. He must have been proud, and felt highly honored. Yet as he looked out across from this grandeur, he saw the tabernacle. . It was old, worn out, and simple.
His thought was noble.
I will build a house for the Lord.
Yet God told him no.
But then what is it that God did in his message to David? He began to reaffirm him and declare his blessings over David. He reminded him that God had brought him out and appointed him ruler over the people of Israel. He reminded David that he had been with him and was helping him defeat his enemies. The Lord even declared that he would establish David's name forever and allow his own offspring to build the temple.
What was all of this about?
Before God would allow a house to be built for him, he was making sure David knew that he was establishing David’s house. This was the household that would bring forth the Messiah Jesus. David’s name was important to God because he was establishing his new covenant.
David is an intricate piece to God’s plan for redemption. David’s line would become the royal line of Israel. This would be known for generations to come, as the line the Messiah must come through. This way they would be a royal heir to the throne. So as David sought out to honor the Lord, God answered him, by showing him the best way he could ever honor the Lord. And this, was to simply be the leader, God had designed him to be, so that the reconciling work of God would go forth.
God has a mission. That mission is to redeem all of creation back to him. The beauty of it is that God has entrusted this mission to his people. Each one of us, created in the image of God, with our own unique gifts and talents and personalities, has a specific participation in this plan. God made you and designed you for a specific piece for redeeming all things back to God.
So, may you allow God to establish your house. May you seek his name in your home and approval for you life. And,, may it drive you towards the work of God, so that his name will be established among all generations!