Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 (also 1 Chr 17:16-27)
David’s response to God’s promise to make a name and a house for David is very instructive to us. David knew God had promised that an everlasting king and kingdom would come from David’s descendants (2 Sam 7:19) and his reaction to this promise is worth our consideration.
The first lesson for us is that David knew the ultimate reason that God had made this promise . . . and he cites that reason several times in this prayer:
... because of your promise (2 Sam 7:21)
... to redeem to be his people (2 Sam 7:23)
... to make a name for himself (2 Sam 7:23)
... for yourself (2 Sam 7:23,24)
... that your name may be magnified (2 Sam 7:26)
David recognized what we see elsewhere in the Bible, namely, that God does everything He does for His eternal honor, as an overflow of His infinite glory. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen (Rom 11:36). (Also see verses on the other side of this sheet)
David’s reaction to the God-centeredness of God’s promise is to be profoundly humbled and to be deeply satisfied. David’s humility is immediately obvious . . . "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?" (2 Sam 7:18). And David’s satisfaction in God is seen in the conclusion to His prayer . . . “Now therefore, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you" (2 Sam 7:29).
Being saturated with a God-centered heart is the fountain of humility and contentment and joy and hope. To understand and love the idea that we are here for God’s everlasting honor is to understand life at its deepest level . . . and it is to be truly satisfied.
Verses that show God’s passion for His glory
He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace . . . (Eph 1:4-6).
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory (Isa 43:6,7).
I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, even I, am the one who blots out your transgressions for My own sake (Isa 43:25).
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psa 23:3).
For my name's sake I defer My wrath, and for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another (Isa 48:9-11).
Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you (Jn 17:1).
Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Mt 5:16).
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14).
