Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, October 25, 2019
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
David wanted to build God a house. It never occurred to him that God might not want a house. And sure enough, God makes it clear that this is not the plan God has for David. Instead, God promises that David’s reign will thereafter be free of warfare, and that David’s royal line will be established for ever. Oh, and by the way, David’s son, Solomon, will be the one to build the temple (looks like God wanted a house after all).
When my kids were little, their idea of “helping” was doing whatever they wanted however they wanted. Time and again, I told them, “The most important part of helping is listening.” I know it sank in, because at one point when I was trying to manage my daughter’s anxiety issues on my terms, she looked me right in the eye and repeated it back to me.
Sometimes we all think we know what’s best ourselves, for other people—even for God! But God often has plans far different than ours. God may not want to build us a house, but God blesses us with far more than we could even want for ourselves, if we only get out of God’s way.
Loving God, help me to let go of my need to control, and put my trust in your far-reaching promises. Amen.
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