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May 7th
The Bible reading today is in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17.
The text begins with a conversation between King David and the prophet Nathan. David says to Nathan...I would like to “build God” a house. I live in a nice house. But He lives in a tent.
Nathan thought David’s idea was a good one. And told him to do whatever was in his heart. That turned out to be counsel given too quickly.
Let’s “Think” about it. David...a man after God’s own heart had a desire to bless the Lord. Another man Nathan, who was called of God to be a prophet, told David he ought to act on his good idea to bless God. Or said another way...“Just follow your heart.”
But just hours after two Godly men agreed on a course of action, God intervened. He told Nathan to stop David from following his heart. He told Nathan to tell David that He had another plan.
I'll bet Nathan went away with a new resolve to not speak too quickly...at least not until he could say, “Thus saith the Lord!”
And this record today also tells me that it can be dangerous to tell friends in the faith to “follow their hearts”. Instead, let’s tell them that we will join them in asking God for His wisdom on the matter...and that we will wait with them until the answer comes.
Moving on in the text...God told Nathan to speak “
“God’s plan”...to David...and it was a stunning plan. Overwhelming David. David had to “sit down” to contemplate the weight of God’s mercy and grace toward him, “and” his household to follow ...all the way to the Throne Room of heaven.
David would have a Son who would rule on a “forever “ throne...that could only be God’s Throne...the Messiah would come from the household of David.
It was too much for David to wrap his mind around. So he was silent before God. And then he carefully praised and prayed to God. “What can I say to You after You have bestowed such greatness to me and mine? You are great and there is none like You O God...Your Name be magnified forever.
And Spurgeon’s take on that prayer rings true to my heart...”Lord, may You be Greatened in these days...and Your servants bow before You.”
Amen
Have a great day
