Monday, March 28, 2011

Good and Godly - - but not God’s?

2 Samuel 7:2-3
“He said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.’ Nathan replied to the king, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.’

Who wouldn’t want to be rich? It’s a good thought. Although my husband and I weren’t mega lotto players nor supporters, we usually take time dreaming how to spend ‘our’ millions, hahaha! Our allocations weren’t bad either. We’d give beyond our usual ten percent tithes, we’ll give our parents their well-deserved, comfortable retirement years, we’ll secure our kids education, and we’ll save the rest for future needs. But I’m sure the rest of the country has better reasons like medication for their very sick loved ones, or as seed money for a small business to ensure three meals a day for their family, or to finally send their kids to school. Side by side with their needs, my wants will most likely be taken aside. Rich thoughts may be good thoughts, but maybe not for me…. yet, hahaha :>

After David was settled in his palace and the Lord has given him rest from all his enemies around him, a brilliant idea came across his mind: ‘I’ll make a house for God!’ Side by side with his place of cedar, with just a tent as dwelling, God’s ark looks... poor. ‘So unfitting for the King of kings’ could be his thought balloon. He backed up his good intentions with some godly advice and called in the prophet Nathan. Hearing the king’s noble heart and seeing no violation of any biblical principles, this man of God couldn’t agree more.  It was a good plan, but not God’s plan.. yet. God has purposed David to fight His people’s wars, extend their borders, and bring peace in the land. It was a good thought, but the task was not for him. His bloody hands wouldn’t fit the holy task. It’s just a different shoe. And although it was supported with godly counsel, it was never God-commanded. He never asked for it. It is not for man to initiate and attempt good things for God. All orders come from Him. Not even a prophet can take God’s place for the final go. David and Nathan weren’t reprimanded for their project proposal. For who but God could place it in their hearts?  No idea is man-original, you know. Still, it was shelved meantime, but with a promise - - that his own son will carry it through. He who thought he can build a better house for His Name was promised an established throne for his house forever. Should we settle for better when His  idea is best?

When God created us in His own image and likeness, it is with the intention of a relationship. Physically, so we could join in His work; socially, so we could grow in His character; emotionally, so we could feel His love; and mentally, so we could understand His ways. I believe the spiritual side is inclusive in each. Everything we are and do is for God. He has gifted us with His wisdom so we could best appreciate when He favors us to see His higher-than-the-earth thoughts unfold. He may not grant our rich thoughts, but maybe His is richer. Just don’t mistake good for go, nor godly as God’s. Do wait for His final say :>  

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Good and Godly - - but not God’s?

2 Samuel 7:2-3
“He said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.’ Nathan replied to the king, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.’

Who wouldn’t want to be rich? It’s a good thought. Although my husband and I weren’t mega lotto players nor supporters, we usually take time dreaming how to spend ‘our’ millions, hahaha! Our allocations weren’t bad either. We’d give beyond our usual ten percent tithes, we’ll give our parents their well-deserved, comfortable retirement years, we’ll secure our kids education, and we’ll save the rest for future needs. But I’m sure the rest of the country has better reasons like medication for their very sick loved ones, or as seed money for a small business to ensure three meals a day for their family, or to finally send their kids to school. Side by side with their needs, my wants will most likely be taken aside. Rich thoughts may be good thoughts, but maybe not for me…. yet, hahaha :>

After David was settled in his palace and the Lord has given him rest from all his enemies around him, a brilliant idea came across his mind: ‘I’ll make a house for God!’ Side by side with his place of cedar, with just a tent as dwelling, God’s ark looks... poor. ‘So unfitting for the King of kings’ could be his thought balloon. He backed up his good intentions with some godly advice and called in the prophet Nathan. Hearing the king’s noble heart and seeing no violation of any biblical principles, this man of God couldn’t agree more.  It was a good plan, but not God’s plan.. yet. God has purposed David to fight His people’s wars, extend their borders, and bring peace in the land. It was a good thought, but the task was not for him. His bloody hands wouldn’t fit the holy task. It’s just a different shoe. And although it was supported with godly counsel, it was never God-commanded. He never asked for it. It is not for man to initiate and attempt good things for God. All orders come from Him. Not even a prophet can take God’s place for the final go. David and Nathan weren’t reprimanded for their project proposal. For who but God could place it in their hearts?  No idea is man-original, you know. Still, it was shelved meantime, but with a promise - - that his own son will carry it through. He who thought he can build a better house for His Name was promised an established throne for his house forever. Should we settle for better when His  idea is best?

When God created us in His own image and likeness, it is with the intention of a relationship. Physically, so we could join in His work; socially, so we could grow in His character; emotionally, so we could feel His love; and mentally, so we could understand His ways. I believe the spiritual side is inclusive in each. Everything we are and do is for God. He has gifted us with His wisdom so we could best appreciate when He favors us to see His higher-than-the-earth thoughts unfold. He may not grant our rich thoughts, but maybe His is richer. Just don’t mistake good for go, nor godly as God’s. Do wait for His final say :>