HOLY CONVERSATION. 1st Chronicles 17 The reason this event is placed in the Chronicles before the previously occurring events, yet followed in this record, must have been to keep the returning people's focus on the ark. The readers were going to build a temple, and the surrounding ruins may have discouraged them. Learning how God worked in the past to accomplish His plans through His people encourages and challenges us to know He can use us, too, right where we are. The actual order of these events was less important than what happened.
Not everything that occurs in our lives serves to instruct those who follow us. Some things are best left unspoken. Other historical events need emphasis for the purpose they served, rather than the time they occurred. In this chapter, David has settled into his palace after the victories recounted in the following chapters. Perhaps he could look out a window and see the tent that sheltered the ark and the faithful doorkeepers in their place, guarding it. The sound of the two trumpets may have stirred him to speak to his loyal friend, Nathan the prophet.
It is possible for the activities in our lives and our ambitions for the immediate present to make us forget what is important to God and the future of His people. Taking time to pause and reflect on the past, consider what is happening in the present, and make plans for the future is not wasted time. During times like this, we are more inclined to listen to the voice of God. Looking around, we realize our family is growing fast and will soon be gone from our home and sphere of major influence. Have we done what we could for them? Have we done what we could for the benefit of God's people? Have we done what we could for "the ark of God" - for God's interests?
David had a sincere desire. He wanted to build the temple. The continuity of God's presence and work among His people was evident in the presence of the ark of God among them. However, the tent seemed inappropriate and unimpressive for such an important article of testimony. God was dwelling among His people, but in David's view, His dwelling place was too inconspicuous. He wanted God's presence to be so clear that it would never be overlooked or taken for granted by the people. The chronicler also considered this, so he placed this event right after the ark's move to Jerusalem.
David’s request was denied because God had not asked for a house for Him to be built. David was the king during war and bloodshed, and Solomon would build the temple in peace and rest when there was unity among God’s people. The Israelites would then enjoy the results of David’s conquests, and their attention would be focused on the Lord.
Solomon foreshadowed the time in Israel’s future when the Messiah would reign and peace would be all over the world. God had prospered David personally and would prosper his kingdom. His seed would endure, and his “house” would include much more than a temple.
When things get out of balance, we must take stock and see what action we can take to ensure God's will and our activities are synchronized. It is possible for me to be so occupied with my own ambitions, business, pleasure, family, hobbies, and habits that I leave undone those things that will be a benefit for others and further God's work. On the other hand, we do have obligations that only we can meet in all these areas of daily life. A balanced life can be an effective and happy life, not only for me, but also for those around me - and for the Lord.
Not everybody we can confide in when we have a pressing matter on our hearts. Avoid those who flatter you too often when wanting and making friends, even though you like it, and be careful in taking to heart their suggestions. A complainer or a critical person is basically a self-opinionated person who sees life only through their own eyes.
Find someone who values you enough to be around you, but loves God more and gives Him priority, and you will likely have a good friend. When a person offers a biblical perspective on life and the events happening around us, they are likely to be a faithful friend. If they can listen, as well as talk, and are willing to ask difficult questions, they are likely to be a trustworthy friend. Take their message to heart if and when God uses someone else to speak to us in His name. Do not feel slighted or ignored, but understand that God can use others to bless us when He chooses.
Nathan the prophet was a close friend of David, allowing him to confront him about what was wrong and share what was right when necessary. David had good intentions, but he also possessed the wisdom to listen attentively to Nathan, who relayed to him in depth the message he had received from God. The historical account of God's presence with His people in the past made the present message to David significant. God was clarifying who He was and where David, His servant, fit into His divine plan. David served God equally, whether caring for sheep or ruling as king over Israel. He was God's servant during battles as well as a conqueror of nations. God valued his desire to build a house for the Lord; however, due to his past service and the blood he had shed, he was not the one chosen to construct the temple.
Our desire for the things of God and our willingness to do what we can are not the guiding principle that gives us the right to take any action we desire. The will of the Lord is what must be done. Whether I like to admit it or not, there are those younger than me who are more qualified and better able to accomplish what I want. It is my responsibility and privilege to support them in any way I can, and rejoice when they are successful. When they perform better than I could have and achieve more than I have done, I need to let them know that I appreciate them and what they do. They may not approach the work in the way I think is right, and there may be things they do that lead me to grumble and say, "What are you doing?" but God is building a place for His people and uses whom He chooses.
David enthusiastically did what he could regarding Solomon's building of the temple after he was gone. Furthermore, God established a perpetual "house" (dynasty) for David and his descendants. The throne of David will be filled when our Lord Jesus Christ, from "the house of David," reigns in power, glory, honor, and peace. The enemies of God's people will not subdue them forever. The Jews who returned from Babylon served as a testament to that fact. God's promise to David was valid through their existence as an identifiable people, even though no one would sit on the throne again until "Shiloh comes, and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." Those who returned must have read or heard this and stirred themselves to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Even the king understood that humility was essential in the presence of the Lord. David likely left his house, which was made of precious cedar, went into the tent where the ark was, and sat there before the Lord. There, he sat in quiet contentment and contemplation as he prayerfully spoke with the Lord, who had communicated with him through Nathan the prophet. Humility and faith are powerful allies that encourage us to approach our holy God. Recognizing who God is compared to who we are helps maintain a respectful attitude when speaking to Him.
A friendly, respectful, and humble relationship with the Lord adds significance to the words we express when addressing Him in reverence. Our spiritual lives are greatly enhanced by humility in prayer, praise to God during our supplications, acknowledgment of God's blessings in our petitions, and a sincere gratitude for His gifts. In God's presence, we must uphold a suitable state of mind and heart, as well as maintain an attitude appropriate for the circumstances we encounter.
There are times when fervor in supplication is appropriate. There are quiet, sensitive moments of reflection and remembrance when we contemplate His grace and mercy toward us. Intercession and giving thanks present occasions when our confidence in His sovereignty grants us a holy boldness to mention names and matters to Him. When we are consciously aware that God knows us, and there is no reason for us to hide anything from Him or deceive ourselves into thinking we can be anything less than honest before Him, then we can truly worship Him.
Worship involves acknowledging the greatness and uniqueness of God. God's character, power, and works are appropriately expressed when we attempt to convey the wonder we experience in worship. Acts of His grace, experiences of His love, mercy, and patience toward us can rightly be expressed in worship. The promises of God, His provisions for our benefit, and His blessings upon us as His people inspire us to worship in the spirit of holiness through our words and thoughts. However, in all these ways, worship must be "in spirit and truth"; otherwise, it is vain repetition.
Rejoicing in the Lord and expressing our true feelings from the depths of our spirits transforms prayer and praise from a mere practice into genuine worship. In worship, we position ourselves in a state of true fellowship with God. The joy and significance during such moments are beyond description but hold great meaning for God, who hears and answers, and certainly hold meaning for us, even though we may wonder, "What should I say to Him?" "What should I render to Him?" "How can I adequately put into words what I really want to say?"
“I am not from a great family of pomp and wealth. Just a hard-working people to whom Thou gave good health, and from a long line of people to whom Thou hast dealt with mercy and grace. Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant! From those in my past who respected Thy Word and gave their loyalty and allegiance because Thou didst save many of us and kept us by Thy power, providing for us all that we have, I give Thee honor and glory! Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant!
Thy grace to Thy servant was clearly made known to me personally when I came to the point of facing where I would spend eternity by Thy Gospel. The Gospel taught me what Christ’s blood means to Thee and why it was shed on the cross for me. I accepted the truth of the word of God and put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. I appreciate all that the Lord Jesus did for me more than I can express. Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant!
Like in ancient times when they put blood on the doorposts, I saw Christ shed His blood for me when He died on the cross. By faith in what the word of God told me, I put my faith in Christ alone, not of works, lest I boast. Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant! From the start of my new life in Christ, there was a desire to please God, influenced by the Holy Spirit who moved on my heart. I did not want in any way to depart from Thy will. Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant!
It has been my great privilege to serve Thee for years. Thou hast given me a wife who gladly shares in Thy great work. Even in our old age, we both look to Thee in confidence, who bears our burdens. Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant! To see Thy saving grace at work in the lives of many others is our life. To worship and praise with them brings great delight to our souls and provides us with ample reasons to praise, worship, and thank Thee. I have such joy in seeing our spiritual children walking in the light! Lord God, Thou knowest Thy servant!”
David’s response to God's promises was both personal and universal. Although we will face disappointments in life, our hope lies in the future when God's promises to His people will bring rest and unity under the Sovereign King of kings. Sitting before the Lord removes us from all distractions, allowing us to reflect on the promises of God that we have experienced throughout our lives and His promises for the future. We recall our beginning with God and look forward to our eternal future.