The Present King

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-16

[The Lord said,] “I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling.” 2 Samuel 7:6

IN WORD

David brought the Ark of God and a reconstructed tabernacle to Jerusalem. God blessed him and gave him rest from his enemies. Yet David was uncomfortable that he was living in a king’s palace and the Ark of God’s presence was still housed in a tent. It didn’t seem right. So he told Nathan the prophet of his desire to build a temple for God—a permanent place for His presence. And Nathan assured him it was a good idea.

But Nathan got another word from God that night. God loved the heart behind the temple idea, and even agreed to have one built. But not by David. The king’s desire would be fulfilled in the next generation. Even with His “yes,” God made it clear that a temple wasn’t necessary. He had always dwelled with His people. He had been with Abraham and the patriarchal family, from altar to altar and even in surprising encounters like Jacob’s dream at Bethel. He had given instructions for the Tabernacle in the wilderness and guided His people daily through forty years of wandering. He had spoken through Samuel and called David to be king before David even thought of himself as a king. God had not been absent. A temple, as admirable as David’s desire was, still was not essential for these people to worship their God.

IN DEED

That’s the kind of King we serve. It’s His nature to be present. Most kings expect their subjects to come to them. Citizens can journey to the palace and request a hearing in the throne room, which might or might not be granted. The king is passive and must be actively sought. But our King is different. He goes to His subjects. He approaches His citizens and asks for a hearing with them. He leads us through wildernesses of all kinds, and even when we aren’t aware of His presence, He’s there. Yes, He invites us to come to Him just as He comes to us, but He doesn’t require a specific location other than the one we always carry with us: our hearts. Is the Lord in His temple? If you’re inhabited by His Spirit, yes. And He moves with you, answers you when you call, and blesses you with His ever-present goodness.

ADDITIONAL READING: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

God is above, presiding; beneath, sustaining; within, filling.

HILDEBERT OF LAVARDIN