Nathan watched David pace. “What are you thinking about?”
David stopped. Looked at the prophet, then his walls. “Is it right for me to live in such an extraordinary cedar palace while the ark of God dwells in a tent?”
Nathan shook his head. “You are clearly in God’s will with whatever you do. How else could you be so successful? Whatever you have in mind to do do it well.”
David smiled as he paced again. “It must be the most magnificent structure ever built for the LORD’s dwelling…”
When Nathan left King David was discussing building details with other advisers.
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God spoke to Nathan that night about the matter. Nathan went to David the next morning.
David was just finishing his breakfast. The smile was still on his face from the previous evening.
Nathan sat across from David and made sure he had direct eye contact. “The LORD spoke to me last night concerning your desire to build Him a structure.”
David pushed his dishes aside. “What did He say?”
“Go to David with this message: Have I ever told anyone to make a building for Me to dwell in? It has been My desire to dwell in tents so My people can come to Me. I called you from tending sheep to lead My people Israel. I have wiped out your enemies from before you to give you peace. Your name has become great among all peoples. I will plant My people in this place but you shall not be the man to build Me a temple. Your son will do that job. I will establish your line through him that will last for all eternity. I will not remove my Spirit from him like I did to Saul.”
Nathan followed David to the tabernacle.
David bowed before the ark. “Why me, oh, LORD? I deserve non of this. Israel is Your nation. I am Your servant. You make it sound like a small thing to establish my lineage forever. How do I fit into this, Your plan? I am humbled. May Your name be magnified forever. There is none like You, my LORD. Now let Your word be fulfilled for Your glory. I desired to build You a house, but You have declared that You will build me a house that will last forever. Let Your promise be kept for Your honor.”
************
King David, a man after God’s own heart, desired to build the temple but God said no.
You would expect to see remorse from the man for this divine refusal to be responsible for such an undertaking. Not from David…especially after he heard God’s promise to continue his line of kingship forever.
Yeah, that would blow my mind, too.
I find it interesting that God didn’t speak to David about this matter but chose to talk to Nathan this time.
With the advantage of knowing what would transpire after this event I can come up with some reasons why God did this.
- Nathan needed to learn to ask for God’s will in all things. His knee-jerk reaction to the great King David letting him know he wanted to build God’s permanent temple was to tell him yes. He did this because he thought God was giving David the desires of his heart. It made perfect logical sense from where they sat. But God has a different perspective on everything. Never forget that.
- Nathan needed to be established as God’s spokesman to David. The king’s power would go to David’s head eventually. Nobody’s perfect. After about a year of trying to cover up his affair and subsequent murder of Uriah, Nathan would confront David with a parable that grabbed David’s full attention. By the time Nathan told David God’s verdict the king knew why he hadn’t heard from God himself.
- God chose now to promise the lineage of the Messiah. The Savior of the world had been hinted at so many times through Israel’s history. Nobody knew exactly when it would occur. By pinpointing whose genes the Messiah would come from God let everyone know His plan was still unfolding. The shepherd-turned-king would shape this humble servant leader still to come.
Let me ask you some questions now.
- Do you seek God’s will in all of your decisions? This could be as big as who you should marry if you’re single to what foods you should eat for each meal. Whose kingdom are you building?
- Have you chosen your friends well? Do you surround yourself with others who are desiring God’s will for their lives? Or are those around you looking out for their own interests alone?
- Is the Messiah real to you? This is the most crucial question anybody can answer. Jesus would fulfill all of the promises God made throughout the Old Testament. Choose Him as your Savior.
God seldom answers two prayers the same way. David wasn’t even expecting a response from God in this matter, yet God spoke to him.
God got David’s attention in a unique way to let him know he’s not in this by himself.
Prayers should be sent to God directly. I’m not denying that. But, don’t neglect to let others share input on your decisions as well.
Surround yourself with godly individuals who seek God’s will, too. Sometimes God will shape His response to you through their life experiences to aid you in your decisions.
All of this is for nothing if you reject Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
I refuse to sugar coat that statement. This man who would come from David’s genetics will rule in an everlasting kingdom. God’s promise will be fulfilled.
Anyone who accepts Jesus as anything less will be left out of that kingdom.
That’s not my opinion. That’s God’s declaration.
God has done all He can to bring us into that kingdom.
It’s up to us to let as many people know that as possible.
When you pray to God, surround yourself with godly friends and accept Jesus as your Savior everything will fall into place.
I’ll see you later. Wade
