Read: 2 Samuel 4-7
Focus Verse: “‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you; When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.” (2 Samuel 7:11b-12).
Devotion: David dances and celebrates when God’s ark has been returned—and Israel recaptures Jerusalem. He’s so excited he wants it to be forever, so he approaches God asking to build a sanctuary, a house, so God’s ark isn’t in a tent anymore. David asks to build God a house but instead God determines to build an eternal home for David. Do you think sometimes we worry too much about the house we want to build for God? Maybe even so much that we miss seeing the eternal home he wants to build for us. See, God tells David in 7:6-7 that “I have not dwelt in a house form the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ (2 Samuel 2 7:6-7). God and Israel moved as one. If God wanted or needed a home God would have one. Instead, God wants to focus on the home he wants to make for us. Instead of worrying where God will stay, God tells David he is wherever his people are.
Pray: LORD remind me daily you are with me. It’s not about the homes, churches, we build for you, but the home you are preparing for us. Help me stay focused on Your home for me, not the other way around. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Be strong and courageous! For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)