“Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under tent curtains.” ~ I Chronicles 17:1

 

Reference:

I Chronicles 17:1-17

 

Do you remember David? He was the little boy that killed Goliath with a sling and a stone. The one kept in the fields by family, to roam with sheep, not found fit to be presented to Samuel for consideration for kingship when the sons of his Father were considered for it. This David by a twist of grace, is now the King of Israel, a decorated warrior, and a beloved statesman.

Soon, David was living in a decorated palatial house with massive cedar beds, Egyptian linens, a large compound, water fountains, well-watered gardens, and exotic birds. Yet, he went to church in a tent, perhaps, with dilapidated fittings. David became uneasy with the paradox of it all. He went home, called Prophet Nathan, and said, “This is not right. I cannot be living in a house this beautiful and my church needs basic furniture and good equipment. My heart cannot take it. I want to correct the imbalance; I must build God a house.”

This action sets David apart as a man with a heart for God. God told him, “Israel had judges and a king, but none of them ever thought of this until you did.” What a contrast with believers who forget God when they enter the rest of luxury. Money has turned many people away from religion, and prosperity has often been the enemy of spirituality. Not so for David! Although a wealthy king, he could not get his mind off God, religion, and the house of God.

This is an indictment on Christians whose houses look far better than their church and are richer than their church. Congregants who are OK to drive limousines, while the ministers of the sanctuary ride a jalopy. Christians in public office who do not use their office to advance the Gospel or the kingdom of God, but to amass wealth for themselves, and pastors who live large on the offerings, while the bride of Christ and His flock languish in poverty.

God rewarded David. He promised to build him a house (legacy), subdue his enemies, and let him die only after ‘fulfilling’ his days and rest with his fathers. His son would ascend the throne and build God a house, and God will establish his throne and show him constant mercy. I pray that God will give you a heart like David’s; a heart that remembers God in prosperity seeks the good of His people and His house and kingdom; a heart that glorifies God in all things.

PHOTO QUOTE

HEART

Additional Text:

Psalm 69:9, Matthew 6:33, and I Chronicles 29:3

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PRAYERS:

+ Lord, forgive me for putting myself, my needs, my goals, my ambition, etc., above that of Your kingdom.

+ Redirect my focus and let zeal for Your house (kingdom, church, gospel, saints) consume me.

+ Help me to use my privileges, power, and prosperity to advance Your cause on earth.

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