Who’s Who?

2 Samuel 7:18-19

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: ‘Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord?’

Centuries ago, man believed that the earth is the center of the solar system. We are the reference point and all else revolves around us. Also true with all firstborns. We cry and our parents rush to attend to us. We smile and they’d babble with us. We get sick and everyone stays in the house. All works in harmony with the reference point. Until Copernicus dethroned our world and pointed to the sun. Until our brother was born and took centerstage.

In the second half of this chapter, God wowed David with His  overwhelming blessings. He reminded this once-shepherd his awesome journey from sheep pen to cedar palace - - a cast out turned crowned king. God made him look around and see peace in the land and favors from heaven. Now who would ever think there’s more to most, or higher than highest?  Only in God’s dictionary! He promised David his lineage will occupy the throne forever. No insurance could beat that. David was understandably humbled and dumbfounded. His first words were, ‘Who Am I?’. He was way before Copernicus so let’s be more considerate :> He saw himself as the reference point and knowing his flaws and failures, he couldn’t understand why grace is coming his way. ‘It is just too much!’ was his receiving speech. But because he was in the praying posture, God’s glory so shine he couldn’t help but put his gaze off himself. Then it hit him: not who I am, but because He is I AM! ‘How Great You are, O Sovereign Lord!’

Think about it. We usually cry for our rights, our well-deserved benefits, our long years of hard work. We feel we’re treated unfairly and ignored and uncared for. But if we want to push ourselves as the reference point for His blessings, do you think we’d even reach minimum? Not even our best efforts could outweigh our daily sins, make that per minute for ungodly thoughts. Praise God He is the point of grace. He gives because that’s who He is. Not even when He rewards us for faithfulness that it shifts to our share of work. It is still God who empowered us for service. Discontent says ‘It’s too little’. Pride says ‘it’s too much’. God says, ‘I AM. Is anything too hard for me?’