May 03, 2021: SOAP #4169:  2Samuel 7; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

SCRIPTURE:  2Samuel (NIV) 7:1 After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.”

OBSERVATION:  Later that night, the LORD gave Nathan a message for David.  David was not to build a temple for God, but David’s son would have that responsibility and pleasure.  David was wanting to build a house for the LORD, but the LORD was going to build a house (lineage) for David!  

However, in the above passage, David was concerned about the honor of God.  David saw that he received more honor than God.  David lived in a beautiful palace while the ark of God was in a tent.  So, David talked to the prophet Nathan about this inappropriate situation.

APPLICATION: Today, God does not live in a tent, or a beautiful palace, or a grand temple.  He lives in the hearts of people; He lives in me!  Like David, I should be concerned about God’s dwelling place.  Is God properly honored by living in me?  People visiting Jerusalem could clearly see that God was honored in Solomon’s temple.  Their God was an all-glorious God!  He was worthy of a glorious temple!   My life should display God as all-glorious and worthy!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, may the people who know me, know that I serve an awesome God who is entirely holy and extremely loving.  May they see I honor you and treat you with the highest respect.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!