The hymn, "How Firm a Foundation" is running through my mind this morning. I love all types of worship music although, to be honest, I've not explored "Christian rap". My favorite songs, though, are the ones who "sing" the Scriptures. This old hymn speaks that our firm foundation as believers is the word of God, as revealed in the Bible and in His LivingWord, Jesus Christ.
Another favorite, but more contemporary song is "Unless the Lord Builds the House", recorded by the late Keith Green. You can listen to it on YouTube, if you are unfamiliar with it. That song came to mind as I read today's passage: 2 Samuel 7.
In this passage we get a glimpse of God making an everlasting covenant with David. Here's how it went down:
David looked all around himself at his luxurious palace and thought, "Here I am in a luxurious house of cedar, and the Chest of God {ark of the covenant} sits in a plain tent!" (vs. 2) David thought that there was just something very wrong about that. So, he spoke to one of his trusted advisors, the prophet Nathan, about the situation. Nathan said that he should do whatever was on his heart to do. (vs. 3)
Well, let me tell you - - - that was bad advice! It was satanic advice that has been around for a long time: "just follow your heart".
Sometimes our hearts can hear from God, because He often does speak to us in a "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-13). However, sometimes our hearts are quite susceptible to Satan's deceptions and can lead us very astray! The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 - -
"The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
In this particular case, God had to give Nathan a vision, to get things back in line with His plan. That David was a go-getter; God had to nip this initiative "in the bud"!So, God appears in a vision to Nathan (vs. 4-16). Essentially, God told Nathan that David would not be chosen to build God's first "temple", but that his son would. However, God's message to David was that He would establish David's descendants on the throne of Israel forever. In the New English Translation (NET) God declares that David's "dynasty would be permanent" in the line of Jewish kings. {I am resisting the temptation to delve off track and elaborate on the kingship of Jesus Christ...must stay on topic.}
So, what should have David done, as opposed to what he did?
1. Notice in verse 1 that David had this idea during a time when Israel was "at peace", not warring with their enemies. Often, our greatest temptations or wrong-headed ideas occur when we are resting, taking a break from the spiritual battle by which we are surrounded. Rest is good, but it is also a time of vulnerability. We must always guard our hearts.
2. When David had this idea, he sought the advice of a trusted advisor, which can be good. But, both David and Nathan should have gone to God in prayer and consulted Him, and His Holy Scriptures, before proceeding with this plan. Of course, the Scriptures in David's day were incomplete, but there were still sacred texts available - - - the Law given to Moses, for example.
To David's credit, when confronted by Nathan, he humbly submitted to the word of God, and God's plan. Sometimes, when we read something in the Bible or get a word of wisdom from a fellow believer, we reject it outright, because we do not like it. I mean, that's just the plain truth, isn't it? If the preacher steps on our toes with the truth from God's Word, sometimes we just say that we aren't having any of that! And, we attack the messenger...
David did not do that. He was a man after God's own heart. His heart was toward God and the things of God, which made his initial plan sound so GOOD! Therefore, once corrected, he quickly repented. In the latter verses of this chapter, David prays a prayer of humility, wonder, thanksgiving and praise to God for His "better plan".
Admittedly, we do not usually hear from God through visions today. And, if we do, or whether we hear from Him via His "still, small voice", we need to pray diligently for wisdom and search the Bible afterward to confirm that we have received this message from God. This is the only way to avoid deception and consequently, big mistakes. "Warning, Will Robinson!" {Let the older reader understand...}
God will NEVER direct you to do something that is contrary to what He has revealed in His Word.
Never. Ever.
Instead, God will always direct you to a task that will bring Him glory. That was the case in 2 Samuel 7. And, David fell right into line with that superior plan. To God be the glory!
Dearest Lover of my Soul, thank you for "course corrections". I appreciate so much how you are concerned about the smallest details of my life and are willing to re-direct me when I start to wander off from the way you'd have me to go. When you do give me a "course correction", help me to recognize it and to respond with humility and obedience, as David did. Lord, it is sometimes hard to hear you, above the raucous cacophony of modern life. "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) Help me to run to your Word as the measuring tool, to examine all "revelation" against it. In Jesus' name, amen.
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