Saturday 24 December 2022
- Bible Book:
- 2 Samuel
‘I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth…. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.’ (vs 9, 12)
Background
The text today goes back to the beginning of David’s kingship. David had been anointed King of all Israel and come to Jerusalem with great celebration, bringing with him the ‘ark of God'. Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, this holy chest held the stone tablets containing the law given to Moses. It was carried by the Israelites during the Exodus, when they were led to freedom from slavery in Egypt, and wandered in the desert for 40 years. When they camped, it was kept in the Tabernacle, a sacred Tent. The Ark symbolised God’s presence with his people.
David was concerned that, while he was living in a fine house (‘a house of cedar’), the Ark remained in a tent, and resolved to build a house or Temple. However, God spoke to Nathan the prophet and told him that David was not the one to build a house for him. God then reminded him of where he had come from and what God had done for him. From his beginnings as a shepherd boy, God promised to make a great name for David.
David would not make a house (temple) for God; rather, God would make a house (dynasty) for David. When verse 12 talks about the offspring of David, whose kingdom God would establish, the following verses make clear that this was Solomon, who would build a temple for God. However, verse 16 points to the enduring nature of the Davidic kingship: "Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever." The reader is invited to look beyond Solomon and from this passage arose the expectation of a continuing Davidic kingship.
Tomorrow is Christmas Day. It's a day of celebration and a day to remember the birth of Jesus, one ‘born of David’s line’ whose kingdom as Christians we believe will endure forever.
To Ponder:
- King David was not permitted to build a house for God. Does the Church’s dependence on church buildings help or hinder their mission? What are the dangers, if any, of having a ‘special place’ for God?
- When Jesus was born, Magi (wise men) came to worship him and looked first in the royal palace. However, we are told that Jesus was born away from home, and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2.1-7). Take this time to prepare your heart to welcome Jesus again. How will you make room for Jesus in your life?
Prayer
God of hope, as I prepare to celebrate once again your coming in Jesus, help me to make room for you in my life, Amen.