2 Samuel 7
Key Verse: “Then King David went in, sat in the Lord’s presence, and said, ‘Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?’” (2 Samuel 7:18 CSB)
At this point in David’s story, his time of running from Saul had ceased. David was now king, and “the Lord had given him rest on every side from all of his enemies” (v.1). As David considered his situation, he decided that he needed to do something great for God. In David’s mind, God’s dwelling place on earth should no longer be a temporary tent. David would build God a “house” or a temple in which to dwell.
God responded by telling David not to proceed. God had greater plans in mind than what David did. Instead of David making a house for God, God would establish a house for David. God made a covenant with David (7:8-16) that He would raise up a descendant of David who would “build a house for my name” (v.12), whose “house and kingdom will endure before me” and whose “throne will be established forever” (v.16). The immediate fulfillment of this promise would be through David’s son Solomon who would construct a temple for Israel. The ultimate fulfillment however would be through God’s Son Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who would establish an everlasting kingdom and establish His own people as the temple of God through the Holy Spirit.
As David heard all that God would do through him, his response was one of gratitude and humility. He said, “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?” (v.18). David was overwhelmed by the incredible grace that God had poured out on him and promised to continue to do. David went from a place of wanting to do something great for God to being completely overwhelmed by all the great things God had done for him.
Like David, there is nothing wrong with wanting to do something great for God. It is right and good to ponder the ways that we can use our time, treasures, and talents to serve the Lord. Those who do great things for God however are those that have first been overwhelmed by all that He has done for them.
The starting point then is to ask the question, “What great things has God already done for me?” As we reflect on and appreciate God’s incredible grace toward us, then we will be ready to serve Him with a heart overflowing with gratitude. So spend some time today pondering all the great things that God has done for you in Christ Jesus. And then go and serve Him today.
Prayer: Father, as I reflect on all the great things that you have done, I am overwhelmed with your grace. Who am I that you would show me so much favor? Yet, through your Son Jesus Christ, I have been richly blessed by you. Help me to respond and to serve you today with a heart filled with gratitude and praise. Amen.
