Read 1 Chronicles 17
Highlights:
David forbidden to build the House of God; David extends his kingdom; war against the Philistines.
David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars but the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto David, do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee (I Chr. 17:1-2).
David had established true worship by bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, but he felt ashamed of the contrast between his luxurious house made of cedars and the old tent Tabernacle of the Lord; therefore, he decided to build a Temple for worship. David's heart was to see a beautiful Temple built for worshiping the God he loved. How often today are our thoughts too wrapped up in building our own kingdoms instead of God's kingdom? God should be first in our lives (Matt:6:33). But it seems these days as life is busier and busier, God is pushed further down our priority list.
The prophet Nathan agreed. This was his personal opinion, but the Lord revealed His will, saying: Thou shalt not build Me a house (17:4). Upon hearing the will of God, David, in deep humility, expressed his nothingness in contrast to the wisdom of God, saying: Who am I . . . that Thou hast brought me hitherto? (17:16). And in adoration of the infinite greatness of the incomparable God, David acknowledged: O Lord, there is none like thee (17:20).
Even though David was king, he was humbled before God. He knew there was only one true God. David loved God so much that he hurt because his house was better than the House of God at that time. He greatly desired to change this. Our prayer should be to help us value our God over the world. David knew his life with God was more important than any worldly gain. May we come to realize the same thing (Mark 8:36).
Many times we claim to be doing God's will, but are simply doing our own will and calling it God's. We must understand that doing nice things or good things are not necessarily doing His will. Many times in life things might seem right, but it doesn't always mean it falls within God's perfect will. All those who please the Lord have learned that the choice of what is pleasing to God must always be left to Him.
Although our intentions may be good, they may not fall into God's plan. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9).
O, Lord, I know the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23).
Thought for Today:
What a privilege to trust Him for guidance!
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the shepherd-king (I Chr. 17:7; comp. Matt. 1:1-2; Rom. 1:3), symbolic of Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and King of saints (all believers) (Rev. 15:3).
Word Studies:
17:7 sheepcote, pasturelands; 18:4 houghed, crippled by cutting leg tendons; 19:4 hard by, close to; 19:6 odious, detestable, offensive.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. George Miller (CA) and Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord (Gen. 18:14).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 8:9
