In today's reading of Chronicles, we find David eager to build God a temple. Afterall, David says, "I live in a house of cedars, but the Ark of the Covenant remains under curtains. This is not right."
David's desire was a noble desire.... However, it was not in God's purpose that David build a temple. His hands had been employed in too much blood shed. So God ordained that Solomon, David's son, should be the one to build the temple. While this refusal of the Lord was disappointing to David, he received it with humility.
Here's what Inspiration says about this incident. It sums things up very nicely!
Though the cherished purpose of his heart had been denied, David received the message with gratitude. “Who am I, O Lord God?” he exclaimed, “and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in Thy sight, O Lord God; but Thou hast spoken also of Thy servant’s house for a great while to come;” and he then renewed his covenant with God.
David knew that it would be an honor to his name and would bring glory to his government to perform the work that he had purposed in his heart to do, but he was ready to submit his will to the will of God. The grateful resignation thus manifested is rarely seen, even among Christians. How often do those who have passed the strength of manhood cling to the hope of accomplishing some great work upon which their hearts are set, but which they are unfitted to perform! God’s providence may speak to them, as did His prophet to David, declaring that the work which they so much desire is not committed to them. It is theirs to prepare the way for another to accomplish it. But instead of gratefully submitting to the divine direction, many fall back as if slighted and rejected, feeling that if they cannot do the one thing which they desire to do, they will do nothing. Many cling with desperate energy to responsibilities which they are incapable of bearing, and vainly endeavor to accomplish a work for which they are insufficient, while that which they might do, lies neglected. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 712)What a lesson for all of us today, when God says no to some cherished desire or plan of our heart. Like David, we need to allow God to choose our work, and accept His will in humility.
[Personal note: Safely home with family in Arkansas... at least for a few days! So good to be home. Mom is doing well for the most part, and we praise the Lord for His loving watchcare in our lives!]
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Chron. 19-21 and Ps. 69
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