24 January 2024
Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more.
From 2 Samuel 7:4-17 NRSV
By now, David has risen from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy to be King of Israel. He has led his people to victory in battle and now lives in a comfortable house. He naturally thinks that he will show his thanks by building a house for God too. But, through the prophet Nathan, the Lord makes it very clear that this is not David’s decision to make. David is reminded that for many years the Lord had accompanied his people throughout their time in the desert and had never requested a permanent home. Instead, David is told, it is the Lord who will build a house for David – not one made of wood and bricks, but a dynasty that will survive beyond him.
- Why do you think the Lord does not need to have a house built by David?
- When have you been aware that your plans did not match those that God had for you?
Pray for the grace to discern God’s plan for your life and be open to promptings that you did not seek or expect.
