Yes But No

1 Kings 8:18

“But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood--he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.”

November of last year, our Department of Tourism received overwhelming criticisms for its campaign "Pilipinas Kay Ganda”. First, because its logo was said to plagiarise the one used in Poland’s tourism ads; second, because the website was similar to a porn site featuring Filipino women; and third, because they jumpstarted the programme without proper consultations. It resulted in Usec Romano’s resignation, a loss of about Php 5M, and the complete junking of the campaign. But setting aside image-controversies and process –anomalies, the project itself was a good concept.  I mean it was intended for the right reasons  - - to promote the country’s beautiful destinations, leading to possible investments, resulting to income and opportunities. I’m sure it was disheartening to all who brainstormed the concept. So, Yes, it was good, but No, it’s a bad.

In light of the Temple dedication, Solomon remembered how this project was a fruit of David’s hearts intent - - but was denied. God saw it fit to have His house built by a man of peace not a man of war. His son, but not him. Understandable, but quite painful right? It was his concept, his heart’s dream project.  His motivation was right for it was all for God. But he still got a No. I can imagine the quiet surrender of David to God’s will. A struggle to keep your heart right despite the crumbling landslide. God knows the disappointment in David and so He gently comforted him with the commendation that he did well to have this in his heart.  Yes, it was good, but No, it’s not for you...  it’s not for now. Solomon resurfaced the issue to highlight that it was the Lord’s sole idea to have the temple built through him at that exact time and in that exact place. For apart from His will, even our best intentions will be shelved. Good doesn't mean Go. It’s never our call.

We don’t attempt great things for God. As innocent as it may sound, we do not operate based on what we see as excellent or admirable or praiseworthy. God is not a lifeless idol but a relationship Being. He seeks that we obey from what we hear instead of guessing how we could please Him. Isn’t that supposed to be easier? Many people wander around wondering what God’s will is for their lives but they resist the idea that all it takes is to sit down at His feet and listen? And so when God gives them a No, they find it hard to comprehend how a dream so beautiful cannot be approved. We’re giving our all to a relationship or this company or that course, and when it falls short of our expectations, we ask why God turned His back on us. But did He ever tell us in the first place to take the path or choose that man?  Imagine if David pursued his big idea of building a wondrous temple and on the seventh year, when all is ready to celebrate and offer, God will not descend from heaven to acknowledge it. Isn’t that more heartbreaking? So No, He doesn’t mind that we consult Him with our every intention provided that we're open for His check or X-mark. But yes, it will be a lot better if we give Him our clean sheet of paper to write on.