Eternal Extravagance

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-16

Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever. 2 Samuel 7:16

IN WORD

God lavished promises of honor on David because David’s desires honored God. His promises to us won’t look exactly like David’s—kingship over Israel’s tribes doesn’t really match the calling we’ve been given today—but they will look something like that. How do we know? Because these promises are more about the heart of God than about David. They aren’t indiscriminate; they belong to those who worship God wholeheartedly and serve Him humbly. But they do reflect God’s desires for His people forever.

Think about it: David’s throne became eternal because a Son of David has established it forever. And that Son invites us to sit on the throne with Him. We are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), and we have been told we will reign with Him (Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:6). Throughout Scripture, God has promised us His presence, His defense, and His honor, just as He did with David. All He is looking for is hearts that are completely His.

IN DEED

David responded to God’s promises with gratitude, acceptance, and even deeper humility (2 Samuel 7:18-29). Surely he was disappointed that he would not be able to build the Temple himself, but he was astonished at the blessing of God beyond the Temple. As God focused on blessing David, David focused on blessing God. It was a mutual relationship of honor.

Many Christians pray to God with the expectation of His blessing but without a commitment to bless Him. But the fullness of His promises are for those who honor Him before seeking to be honored—who long to do great things for Him rather than simply expecting Him to do great things for them. Hearts fully devoted to Him will see His full devotion in all its extravagance. And God’s devotion to His people will never end.

ADDITIONAL READING: Jeremiah 31:3

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING