1st Chronicles 17 HOLY CONVERSATION The reason for this event to be placed in the Chronicles before the events that happened previously but follow in this record, must have been to keep the focus of the returning people on the ark. The readers were going to build a temple. The ruins around them may have had a tendency to discourage them. When we learn how God worked in the past to accomplish His plans through His people, it encourages and challenges us to know He can use us too - right where we are. The actual order in which events took place was not as important as what happened.
Not everything that takes place in our lives serves the purpose of instructing those who follow us. Some things are best not talked about. Other historical events need to be emphasized as to the purpose of it instead of the time it took place historically. In this chapter David has settled down in his palace after the victories that are recounted in the following chapters. Perhaps he could look out a window and see the tent that covered 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 faithful friend, Nathan the prophet.
It is possible for the activities of our lives and our own ambitions for the immediate present to make us forget what is important to God and the future of His people. Time taken to pause and reflect on the past, consider what is happening at the present and make plans for the future is not wasted time. It is at times like this that we are more inclined to listen to the voice of God. When we look around, we realize our family is growing fast and soon will 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 the right 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. But the tent seemed so inappropriate and unimpressive for such an important article of testimony. God was dwelling among His people, but in David's thinking His dwelling place was too inconspicuous. He wanted God's presence to be so evident that it would never be overlooked or taken for granted by the people. The chronicler had this in mind also, so put this event right after the move of the ark to Jerusalem.
When things get out of balance in our lives, we need to take stock and see what action we can take to make sure God's will and my activity 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 of 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.
It is not everybody we can confide in when we have a matter pressing on our heart. Nathan the prophet was a close enough friend to David that he could face him with what was wrong, and when appropriate tell him what was right. When wanting and making friends, avoid those who flatter too often, even though you like it, and are subtle in their suggestions. A complainer or a critical person is basically a self-opinionated person who sees life only through their own eyes. Find a person who likes you enough to be around you, but loves God more and gives Him the priority, and you likely will have a good friend. When a person gives a biblically perspective on life and the events going on around us, that is likely to be a faithful friend. When they can listen as well as talk, and are willing to ask the hard questions, he or she is likely to be a trustworthy friend.
David had good desires but he also had the sense to listen quietly to Nathan who passed on to him in depth, the message he had received from God. If and when God uses someone else to speak to us in his name, take the message. Do not feel slighted or ignored but understand God can use others to bless us when He so chooses. The historical account of God's presence with His people in the past, made the present message to David significant. God was making plain who He was and where David, His servant, fit in His divine plan. David was as much as servant of God when he was caring for sheep as he was as king over Israel. He was God's servant when he was a warrior in battle and a conqueror of nations. God appreciated his desire to build a house for the Lord, but because of his past service and the blood that he shed, he was not the one to build the house.
Our desire for the things of God and willingness to do what we can, is 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 do what I would like to do. It is my responsibility, and privilege, to support them in any way I can, and rejoice when they are successful. When they do better than I could have and accomplish more than I have done, I need to let them know I appreciate them and what they do. They may not have approached the work they way I thought was right, and there may be things they do that cause me to grumble and say, "What are you doing?" but God is building a place for His people and uses who He chooses.
David enthusiastically did what he could in view of Solomon building the temple after he was gone. More than that was the fact that God was building a perpetual "house" (dynasty) for David and those who came after him. 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 were a testimony to that fact themselves. God's promise to David was valid by their existence as an identifiable people even though there was no one who would sit on the throne again until "Shiloh comes, and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." Those who returned would have read or heard this read and stirred themselves to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Even the king understood humility was in order when he was in the presence of the Lord. It is likely David left his house made of precious cedar and 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 talked to the Lord who had spoken to him through Nathan the prophet. Humility and faith are powerful friends when together they move us to approach to our holy God. An understanding of who God is compared to who we are, keeps a respectful attitude on our part when we speak to Him.
A friendly, respectful, humble relationship with the Lord gives weight to the words we say when we address Him in reverence. Our spiritual life is greatly enhanced when there is humility in prayer, praise to God when we pray, an acknowledgement of God's blessings when we pray and a grateful acceptance of His blessings. In the presence of God there needs to be an appropriate state of mind and heart as well as attitude suitable to the situation in which we are found. There are times when fervency in supplication is right. There are the quiet sensitive times of reflection and remembrance when we consider His grace and mercy to us. Intercession and giving of thanks are times when our confidence in His sovereignty gives us a holy boldness to mention names and things to Him. When we are consciously aware that God knows us and there is no reason for us to try to hide anything from Him nor bluff ourselves into thinking we can be less than honest before Him, then we can truly worship Him.
Worship involves an acknowledgement of the greatness and uniqueness of God. The character, power and works of God are not out of place when we try to put into words the wonder we have when we worship. Acts of His grace, experiences of His love, His mercy and longsuffering toward us can be rightly expressed when we worship. The promises of God, His provisions for our benefit and His blessings upon us as His people cause us to worship in the spirit of holiness in words and thoughts. But in all of these ways there must be worship "in spirit and in truth," otherwise it is vain repetition.
Rejoicing in the Lord and expressing what we really mean from deep within our spirits, changes prayer and praise from a mere practice to true worship. When we worship, we have placed ourselves in the condition and position of having true fellowship with God. The joy and meaning at such times, defies description but is meaningful to God who hears and answers, and certainly is meaningful to 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?"