This piece is about King David. He presents a perfect example of someone who is far from perfect (remember the “Bathsheba Chronicles”), who, nevertheless, is grateful and passionate about God’s love. Dave had been nurtured by the Lord at an early age as a shepherd boy who could wrestle with lions and bears. He in turn was not intimidated by Goliath the giant who was cut down by Dave and his “silver bullet” (shot from a sling shot). David had also spent years on the run from King Saul, his predecessor; and then after becoming king, he defeated, once and for all, Israel’s perennial enemy, the Philistines. Through it all he often paused to thank God for his sustaining grace and great victories. So in II Samuel 7:1ff, we read about David making a decision to build a house for his Lord and great benefactor. He says in verse 2: “Here I am living in a palace of cedar while the ark of God remains in a tent.” He says this to that intrepid Prophet of Israel Nathan, who in turn says: “Run with it baby!” (not found in any generally accepted Biblical translation but certainly my own). Another way we can characterize Nathan’s answer is: “Just do it!”
So with the prophet’s blessing, Dave is certain to launch the project until “Nate” tells him that upon further consultation with “the King of Kings,” there is a revision for David’s original intentions. It won’t be David who builds a temple for the Lord, it will be his son. But this is far from a slap in the face to David. Because “The Sovereign Lord,” the meaning of the prevalent Hebrew name for God used in the books of Samuel (see Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC), Vol. 3, Zondervan, 1992 - commentary on II Sam.7:18-21), tells David through Nathan that among other things, “I will make your name great like the names of the greatest men of the earth (and) your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me, your throne will be established forever.” These words are the essence of what Bible teachers call the “Davidic Covenant” ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, “The Son of David.” All this is enough to send David to his knees before the ark of God and what follows is one of the most moving prayers in all of scripture (see II Sam 7:18-29).
He starts out with: “Who am I, Oh Sovereign Lord and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And if this were not enough you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant.” Then he “asks” and I really was blessed by this (many scholars notwithstanding - see EBC on verse 7:18): “Is this your usual way of dealing with man Oh Sovereign Lord?” It sure is Davey boy! God deals the same way with all his sons and daughters. Almost all of us will never be Kings like David or Solomon but we ARE royalty (see I Peter 2:9). Indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords intends to partner with each one of us in a thrilling enterprise of redemption and grace that someday will bring peace and good will to all people on whom his favor rests (Luke 2:14 NIV). David is a model of one who is grateful and so humbled by God’s grace on his behalf. There isn’t anything he won’t do for the Lord. He does it willingly, passionately, and out of gratitude to the One who is so kind to him. We, too, should delight to please the Lord because he has done so much for us. Our good works should always be gifts of gratitude to Him who gave his life to insure for us a glorious future. So Lord, what next do you have for me to do?
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