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1 Chronicles Chapter 17 (ESV)

1 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” 2 And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

3 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. 5 For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. 6 In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ …

11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’” 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David did not have peace when he was living in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant that was the symbol of God’s presence was under a tent. He wanted to build a temple for God. His intention was good but it was not the time set by God. When God told David not to build the temple (17:3-4), David willingly obey God. If you are living an abundant life while there was lacking in God’s ministry, the church, and the pastoral staff, you should also take action to reverse the situation. On the other hand, you should also act according to God’s timing. Reflect that God has set a timing for everything. You should actively serve God while waiting for God’s timing with wisdom and patience.
2. God gave the promise that He will raise up David’s offspring and He will establish David’s kingdom and his throne forever. There were two parts of God’s promise to David. The first part was conditional: as long as David’s offspring will obey God’s law and respect Him, they will sit on the throne of Israel continuously. The second part was unconditional: there will be a descendent of David who will be king forever, and this is Jesus Christ (Messiah). The first part was based on David’s faithfulness and obedience, while the second part will be fulfilled independent of the deeds by David’s offspring. Reflect on God’s boundless grace and His unchanging faithfulness. Our faith is built on the faithfulness and promise of God.

 

PRAYER:

Thank God for His boundless grace and praise God for His unchanging faithfulness; ask God to strengthen your heart so that your thoughts and deeds are built on the faithfulness and promise of God.

 

HYMN:

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o