As David (king of Israel) prays to God in 2 Samuel 7:18-29, he is not just overwhelmed with where God has placed him, but he seems to appreciate what a privilege it is to hear blessings on his house (blessings that last forever, by the way).
And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human!
2 Samuel 7:19 NIV
I doubt that David had a clear understanding about God’s amazing plan to save the entire world through Jesus Christ, but David knew that whatever God was promising here was a pretty amazing thing.
When we compare ourselves to God (which isn’t a great idea, since there’s really no comparison), we start to appreciate how His reaching out to humankind is even more incredible than it might seem at first. This wasn’t a “lateral move” for God to reach out and invite us into His family. It’s a step down…kind of like the edge of the Grand Canyon is a “step down”. Still, God took this step: extending the gift of salvation to us (fallen human beings) and making a way for us to be restored back to Himself.
Let’s continue reviewing David’s prayer. (It might sound like we’re snooping, to read what someone is saying to another person, but God put this in the Bible, so I think that it’s OK to listen in.)
“What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign LORD. For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant.
2 Samuel 7:20-21 NIV
I’m not sure why David refers to himself in the third person here, but I think that he might be in over his head. Just try to have a coherent conversation with someone who has gotten really, really good news (like finding out that they’re having a baby, or getting word that they were accepted into their dream college or ideal job), and see if they can string sentences together! People in this situation are usually just spilling over with emotion and giddiness.
However, we should notice that David is clear-headed enough to acknowledge why God has informed and blessed him: in verse 21, David points out that God has done this “For the sake of your word and according to your will,…”. David didn’t earn these blessings. God had promised what He would do, and He chose to act according to His perfect – and perfectly wise – will.
David is just the beneficiary, here: a participant in God’s plan. David’s choice was merely to actually follow God and participate in that plan. May we do the same.
From Sunday School Lesson for June 6, 2021
References:
- The Lookout, June 2021, © 2021 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Matthew Henry. 1706, via BibleGateway.com.
Those Who Sin Differently 