Wednesday, August 9th
Devotional written by Pastor Curtis Johnson, Adult Ministries Pastor
FAITHFUL TO THE TASK HE GIVES US
To read today: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
2 Samuel 7:10-11
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In this passage by the prophet Nathan to David, God expresses His desire for David not to construct a “dwelling place” for Him . Why didn’t God want David to build the temple? God told David that his job was to unify and lead Israel and destroy its enemies. This huge undertaking would require that David cause a deal of blood to be shed. In 1 Chronicles 28:3, we learn that God did not want His temple to be built by a warrior. Therefore, David made the plans and collected the materials so that his son, Solomon, could begin work on the temple as soon as he became king (1 Kings 5-7). David accepted his part in God’s plan and did not try to go beyond it.
Final thought: Sometimes God says no to our plans. When He does, we should look to where He is leading us and utilize other opportunities He gives us.
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