“But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” 2 Samuel 7: 4-7
King David seemed to be on the right track. He had a neat house himself, solid and cedar-built, and he felt bad that the Ark of the Covenant was still kept in a tent. He decided he should plan to build a temple; eager in his desire to show God and His gifts the appreciation and respect they deserved. Nathan let him know that God had much greater plans and higher expectations. God’s own Son would come through the ranks of David’s family and “sit on the throne forever.” A future much more grand and more humbling than David could have ever fathomed (involving a throne built from the wood of a sacrificial cross.)
We may make some really good plans, but God’s plans are perfect. What grace it is then, that God continues to work out purposes which are well ‘outside of the box’ of human thinking. During Lent, we can ponder if we remain open to the unknowns of higher strategies, or if our own short sightedness muffles Divine direction. We must find humility in our reflections, to assure our sense of confidence does not inadvertently work towards stunting the perfect plans of God.
Submitted by Fredrikson Center Team
Prayer God of knowing and the unknown,
Help me to stay open to your direction and guidance, in things great and small.
Allow me to walk in both the light of your countenance and the shadow of your plan.
Keep me watchful, ready, and humble to Your will. In Christ’s Name, amen.