Unexpected Blessings

Unexpected Blessings

(2 Samuel 7:1-17)

Yearly Theme:  “Goodness is… Genuine”

Series Title:  “Giant Slayer:  A Man After GOD’s Own Heart”

April 28^th, 2024

Something to think about:

As we close out our series today on King David in the Old Testament, we come to a passage that illustrates this theme of unexpected blessings perfectly.  After many years on the run from King Saul, camping out in the countryside and wilderness, Saul finally dies on the battlefield thus leaving the throne of Israel vacated.  David, who had been anointed as king nearly a decade and a half earlier by the prophet Samuel is now free to ascend the throne and take his rightful place in leadership over the people of Israel. 

During a time of peace, David notices that the Ark of the Covenant (the golden box that contained the original tablets of the 10 commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna, and the place where GOD came to dwell among His people is being stored in a “tent” (or the Tabernacle) while David lives in a royal palace.  Convicted that this shouldn’t be the case, David consults the prophet Nathan about building a permanent resting place for the Ark, a Temple of great splendor.  What we read in this passage is GOD’s response to this endeavor:

Turn in your Bible to:  2 Samuel 7:1-17

David could not build for GOD what GOD desired to build for him:  an everlasting household of kingship and royalty.

Key Point:  “When the LORD Builds a home, it lasts forever.”

What can we learn about the nature of GOD from this short passage?  Let’s take a closer look:

• GOD doesn’t  an earthly  place.

2 Samuel 7:5-6 (NLT),  ⁵ “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared:  Are you the one to build a house for me to live in?  ⁶ I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. 

• GOD  to provide a  for us.

2 Samuel 7:9 (NLT),  I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes.  Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!

• GOD  us in  ways.

2 Samuel 7:16 (NLT),  “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.”

Something to take home:

GOD is still in the household-building business.  Through Jesus (a descendant of King David), David’s dynasty found its true anchor in the Kingdom of GOD.  That dynasty of everlasting rulership is not only a blessing from GOD but also a blessing for GOD because it is GOD Himself who fulfilled His Covenant to David through Jesus Christ.  Now, in Christ, we have access to the throne room of GOD’s wonderful grace.  All who believe in Him have everlasting life and are blessed with eternal purpose.  In some of His final words to His disciples Jesus said,

John 14:1-4 (NLT),  ¹  “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.   ²  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  ³  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.  ⁴  And you know the way to where I am going.”

We too can be a part of that glorious promise that GOD made to David so very long ago as we believe in the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.  It’s this unexpected blessing from GOD that gives us everlasting life.  All that it requires is full surrender and full acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives.

Key Point:  “When the LORD builds a home, it lasts forever.”