God’s Promise to David
Lectionary Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11
At this point in scripture, David has emerged as a warrior. Winning battles against his enemies then being anointed King over Judah. In addition, he was able to get Israel to join with him and conquer the Jebusites in Jerusalem. This is why Jerusalem is sometimes called the city of David. Once all this was done, David settles into his palace and enjoys rest from his enemies. It is at this juncture that David reflects on living in splendor while the ark of God remains in a tent. David makes plans to build the temple in Jerusalem so that God might have a proper house to dwell in. However, God has other plans and has Nathan, the prophet, declare that David will not build the temple but his offspring will.
I suspect most of us are sometimes like David- at least during Advent ! While we may not be engaged in battles or uniting tribes I think we all have a tendency to get our own jobs, cares or dreams taken care of first. Only after we have achieved what WE want- do we begin to think about what God may want from us! During the secular Christmas Season we get bleary-eyed from all of the advertising, promotions and sentiments that come our way. This can serve to distract us from God’s plan for us. Like David, we tend to make decisions for God that we think is right.
However, Advent calls us to a higher purpose. During these turbulent times we must ask ourselves this question. Do we favor God by working for him or do we savor God by worshipping him? Your answer will dictate how you feel on Christmas morning.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for our time on earth. We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on each of us. Help us to respond to your gift of grace, your gift of living water, your promise of everlasting life as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens. Amen
Marv Jones
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