Todays readings.. 2 Samuel 7, Jeremiah 12, Matthew 23
Today’s 7th chapter of 2nd Samuel is remarkable –– it inspires us in many ways. We see how God’s promise to him – originally inspired David. It starts by describing God’s reaction to David’s desire to build a house, a Temple, for God to dwell in; it seems the Tabernacle was close to being worn out, it had served its’ purpose. Nathan the prophet is told, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?” [v.5]
The next 10 verses are food for much thought and meditation – climaxing in v.16, when David is told, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'”
The humility of David’s response, in reaction to this incredible promise is remarkable; he “went in and sat before the LORD” [v.18], obviously in the Tabernacle; he prays, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come” – adding “and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!”
Let us see how this “instruction” is for us! We begin by noting how often Jesus is called “the Son of David”! It occurs 10 times alone in the Gospel of Matthew we are currently reading! In ch. 21 we read of Jesus entering Jerusalem “and the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” [v.9]. It will be through Jesus that God’s “name is “magnified for ever.” The word “name” of course is used in the sense of ‘reputation.’
Let us finish our thoughts by mediating on more of what we read in 2 Samuel – of what David said in his prayer. ”O LORD God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house” [v.25] David then prays, “And your name will be magnified forever.”
David’s prayer concludes, “with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” As those trying to be the latter day servants we pray we will very soon see God’s word confirmed and we will be wondrously blessed to witness God’s “name being “magnified for ever.”
