Reading through 2 Samuel 7 today, I was impressed with the powerful message that God’s plans are always bigger…and better…and more lasting….than our plans.
David, recognizing that, while he lived in a fine palace made of cedar wood, the Ark of God (which represented God’s presence) was residing in a tent. In David’s mind, this simply would not do! So David declared his desire to build a temple for God to Nathan, the Prophet. I don’t imagine David – even in his wildest dreams – could have been prepared for God’s response.
“Go tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I chose you to lead my people Israel when you were just a shepherd boy, tending your sheep out in the pasture. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies. Now I will make your name famous throughout the earth! And I have provided a permanent homeland for my people Israel, where they will never be disturbed. It will be their own land where wicked nations won’t oppress them as they did in the past, from the time I appointed judges to rule my people. And I will keep you safe from all your enemies.
And now the LORD declares that he will build a house for YOU — a dynasty of kings! For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house – a temple- for my name. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. … Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.” 2 Samuel 7:5-16 NLT
I can only scratch the surface in this note, but suffice it to say: God spoke to me this morning through this passage!
My desire to “build” the kingdom pales in comparison to God’s plan to accomplish that..and so much more! My desire to bring people in, to help them grow in faith, to train them to invest in others to the same ends is far surpassed by God’s. (God is the One who can actually accomplish that work … in me as well as in others.) While I desire to serve Him, He has already performed the ultimate act of service – even death on the cross. While I desire to pray for others out of love for God, Jesus continually prays to the Father for me! While I desire to give from my limited resources of time, money and talent, Christ gave His very life …and continues to give Himself to me! I simply cannot “out-give, out-plan, out-do” God! God simply takes any desire I have that is of any value … and uses it to reveal that His love towards me and His plans for me (and you!) are infinitely superior.
