In 2 Samuel 7, we are introduced to the idea that King David determines within himself that if he has a house of cedar to live in, then God (the Ark) should not reside in a tent. So David approaches Nathan the prophet who is pretty excited about the prospect of a building program :). Up to this point, no one consulted God…so God weighs in:
“Are you the one who should build me a house to dwell in?…I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, and they will live in their own place and not be disturbed again…The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you.” (2 Sam 7:5, 10-11, NASB).
At times…in fact often times…we set out to serve God…to bless God…to do something for God thinking that we have a great idea and God will be blessed. While it is true that our worship does bless God, it is God who created the worshipper, drew him to Himself…and placed the heart of worship within him. As Jesus said, “If these people become silent…even the very rocks will cry out in praise to God.”
God has no needs. He is self-sufficient. He is self-sustaining. He is complete in Himself. We do God no favors. God is not served (in the understanding of us doing something for Him that He could not do for Himself) by human hands for it is God who made the hands of all humans!
David’s idea was wonderful…but God once again demonstrates that He is not in need of our ideas. He has a plan and purpose and will and desire. He reveals that in His time and timing…and our privilege is to embrace it and join Him in His purpose.
So…we set out to bless God and we ought to seek to worship Him with every element of our being…but we ought also understand that God is not being provided something that was not already His. His grace towards us enables us and provokes us to worship as we ought…because He is good.
David caught that…and sat before the Lord to acknowledge as such (7:21-22). We would do well to do likewise.
Shalom, CA.
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