David’s gratitude

At first, David desired to build a temple for the Lord. In response to this, the Lord spoke through Nathan and said that it would not be David who would build a house (temple) for the Lord, but rather the Lord Himself who would build a house (dynasty) for David. (1) Moved by that promise, David sat before the Lord and began to pray. The humble posture of David as a man of faith is clearly displayed. (2) In this prayer, David confesses that he is unworthy to receive such grace. Even being brought this far was already an overwhelming blessing. And now, on top of that, he had been shown a vision that extended far into the future. “And this is the custom of mankind, Lord God” means, “I am not worthy to receive such a blessing.” (3) Next, David says, “Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, Lord God!” David, the greatest poet in Israel, declares that he has no words to express his gratitude and amazement.

Lessons for us

A blessing greater than what David received has been given to Christians in the New Testament time. Ephesians 3:6 says that the mystery of Christ is “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Let us once again remember where we were saved from. We were children of wrath, walking on the path to destruction, without knowledge of the true God. But God, in His mercy, chose us in Christ, redeemed us, and granted us the privilege of becoming children of God. The blessing David received has now, in Christ, become ours as well. If we ask of God, He will work and provide beyond all that we could ask or imagine. Let us rise with joy and courage, as children loved by God. God is with us.