Today's Reading:

2 Samuel 7
1 Chronicles 17
Psalm 1
Psalm 2
Psalm 33
Psalm 127
Psalm 132

In 1 Chronicles 17, after God promised to build David a dynasty instead of letting him build God a cedar house, David went in and sat before the Lord to pray. In humble adoration, he asked, “Who am I?” David sat in front of God’s presence for an intimate time to praise Him. Scripture never gives a single “correct” posture for prayer, what matters the most is the heart behind it. Moses lay prostrate before the Lord for forty days and nights to intercede for Israel (Deuteronomy 9:25-26). Jesus knelt down and then fell on His face in Gethsemane when He submitted to the Father’s will (Luke 22:41 and Matthew 26:39). Hannah stood and cried out her heart to God for a child (1 Samuel 1:26). The Bible also encourages kneeling in reverence (Psalm 95:6, and Ephesians 3:14). Standing to pray (Mark 11:25) and lifting up holy hands as we declare that God is Lord above all (1 Timothy 2:8, Psalm 28:2 and Nehemiah 8:6).

So whether you sit in quiet reflection, kneel in surrender, lie prostrate in humility or raise your hands in church to honor God’s sovereignty, what your heart pours out is what matters the most. Prayer is less about the position of your body and more about finding that close relationship to Him. You may see me raise my hands and kneel, but if you see me fall on my face, please help me up! Today, as you reflect in your time with God, lose your head and let your heart lead you. Just come to Him.

 

David was settled into his newly built palace when the Lord gave him rest from his enemies. This was the first mention of Nathan the prophet. David wanted to build a cedar house for the Lord and for the Ark of the Covenant. He talked with Nathan about building a house for the Lord, and Nathan told him that it would be okay. That night, however, the Lord spoke to Nathan and rebuked the plan.

Although it was a good idea on David's part to honor the Lord, God had a different priority for him. David's main job was to fight Israel's battles, secure the land, and establish the royal lineage that would eventually lead to Jesus. God had never asked for a permanent cedar house. He had always lived with the Israelites in a tent up to that point. Instead, God wanted David to focus on his calling. The Lord then made the Davidic Covenant with him. God promised to make David's name great and to give him rest from his enemies so that the wicked would no longer oppress them. God declared that He would instead build a “house” for David (a dynasty). He said that David would die, but one of his descendants would build a house for the Lord. God's house would establish a throne and a kingdom that would last forever, pointing forward to Jesus.

In humility, David went before the Lord and prayed, "Who am I?", that the kingdom would come through his family line, and offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving. Even though he received a "no" about building a house for God, it was because God had a much better plan. That plan was Jesus Christ and His eternal reign. The "no" answers we receive may not make sense at the time or even in our lifetimes, yet they can turn into great blessings later. The Messiah was the one who would build the true house, which would become the church, with Jesus reigning as God’s son.

The book of Chronicles records a similar account in 1 Chronicles 17. There were a few differences. Chronicles does not mention the "rest from enemies." It also leaves out the reference to punishing David's descendants with a rod. Later, Solomon became known for peace, therefore, it would not have fit the purpose of Chronicles to emphasize peace during David's reign, since David spent most of his life at war.

Psalms 1 and 2
Psalms 1 and 2 are often seen as an introduction to the rest of the book of Psalms. Psalm 1 begins with these words: "Blessed are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked." It encourages us to spend time each day in the Word of God. Doing so brings true happiness and blessings. The righteous person is like a tree planted by streams of water which produce fruit and offers shade. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away. They will not stand in the judgment before God. There are only two ways in this world: the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous. There is no middle ground. Each of us must choose which path to take, there are only two. This reminds me of the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. The final line is my favorite: "And I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

Psalm 1 reminds us there are only two paths in life — the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Which path are you choosing right now in your daily life? What does ‘taking the road less traveled’ look like for you as a follower of Christ?”

Psalm 2
Continues this thought. It brings a blessing to those who acknowledge God and His chosen King, taking refuge in Him. If anyone rebels against the Lord's anointed, then they are really rebelling against God Himself. This truth reminds us of David, who refused to kill Saul because he understood that God had anointed Saul as king, so he would not kill him for that exact reason. God mockingly laughed at their absurdity in going against Him (Psalm 2:4). He put David on the throne, and through him, it ultimately led to Jesus. In Revelation 2:26, Jesus declared: those who would remain faithful would then share in ruling over the nations. So, stay loyal, and submit to sitting at the feet of the Lord like Mary did (Luke 10:38-42).

Psalm 33 
This was a hymn of praise and goes back to singing; those who are upright make music (no worship service should be without music, in my opinion!) You can see God’s love through His creations all around the earth. He spoke it into existence. All humanity should be in awe of His goodness and sovereignty, not just Israel. God’s plans stand firm where human plans will fail. No king or warrior is saved by human strengths or a horse in battle. Salvation comes from Him alone, so wait in hope for God’s deliverance.

Psalm 127
This psalm is about life’s true security that comes from the Lord. Children are a gift from God. They are like arrows to a warrior, if your quiver is full then you are blessed. Unless the Lord watches over the house and city, then the labor is in vain. Life, food, and sleep are all gifts from God, and cannot bring a blessing on their own. Like a farmer that will get up early and stay late to work the field. They do not have food by their working the ground, it comes from God blessing it. He is the center of power and refuge who brings success and rest.

Psalm 132
The Lord remembered David and the promise He made to His people. With a focus on His blessing for the people to hold onto hope while in exile. David received God’s amazing promise and went

in and sat before the Lord in humble awe. David’s heart was overflowing with gratitude and wonder at God’s grace. Scripture talks about going to the Lord, whether you sit, kneel, surrender, or stand, pray in pure devotion, what matters the most is the devotion in your heart. Whether you sit, kneel, stand, or fall on your face, what God values the most is a pure heart that comes to Him in love, confession and surrender. When we come humbly to Him, He runs to us.

Today's Discussion question: 

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