December 15, 2019, 1 Chronicles 17 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflection

IX.
Nathan hears in the Word that comes to him –

“Moreover I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house.” (1 Chronicles 17:10)

And in David’s prayer of response we hear –

“And now, O Lord, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as you have promised.” (1 Chronicles 17:23)

X.
Might this be for us an example of what happens from time to time and maybe more often than we care to think.

We have in mind what we think needs to happen and we assume since we are good folk, it is what God desires so we take it upon ourselves to be the agency of God’s will in such matters.

David and the Prophet Nathan sure seem to be in agreement on what to do.

That is until God steps in with a word to Nathan which is in turn relayed to David and then plans take on a whole new direction.

David’s prayer of response starts with “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house … “ (1 Chronicles 17:16).

It seems David is getting in a better perspective what his role is. That he is not the chief architect and chief builder of God’s Kingdom, God is. And might we say with Jesus we are to, “… seek first his Kingdom … “ (Matthew 6:33).

Surely in the context of Jesus’ words and teachings we understand that to be the “Kingdom of God.”

As I read David’s prayer, I have at times an uneasy feeling that David may not have been able to separate the idea of David’s kingdom, Israel’s kingdom, from a fuller understanding of the Kingdom of God.

But, should that surprise us?

We have Jesus’ teachings to help us catch on, and still we probably fall short often.

XI.
What Kingdom is God calling us to live in?

How might we pray for that Kingdom to dawn?

What might we do to begin living as residents of that Kingdom?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *