Wednesday, April 22, 2009

My Heart, Your Temple...

Tonight, I had the joy of putting two little angels to bed after rocking and feeding each of you. You have such different dispositions and personalities, and I am amazed as I look into your sapphire eyes to see the beauty of God's handiwork. You are masterpieces, creations of the Almighty, and if I live to be a centenarian I will continue to marvel at His goodness in choosing to give me the precious blessing of being a grandmother.

King David was also very grateful to God--and while I wouldn't be bold enough to compare my appreciation to his, I do suspect there are similarities based on his expressed desires in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. These two chapters essentially provide the same details. They take place after David's palace of cedar was built in Jerusalem and explain that David's desire was to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant.

Through the prophet Nathan, David was told that he wasn't the one who would build God's temple. Instead, one of his descendants would have that privilege. Still, David's desire was genuine enough that he gathered the materials for the future construction that we later learn was completed by Solomon, David's son.

David's heartfelt gratitude to The Lord was expressed in these chapters and in many of the Psalms. He wanted to build a temple because of his gratefulness to God for His grace and mercy.

In 2 Samuel 7:11, God explains to David through Nathan what he plans to do: “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings!

The promise God made to David was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and today, Jesus is building a magnificent temple for His Father. If that doesn't make sense, remember that scripture explains that all who come to The Lord through faith in His Son are God's temples...

1 Peter 2:5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

From a heart overflowing with gratitude, David wanted to build a temple for God. Today, He deserves nothing less from us.

There are innumerable blessings in my life (two of whom are sleeping peacefully as I write) and I am compelled to ask You, Father, to build a temple in my heart as I praise you for making all the wrong in me right through Jesus. You alone have made it possible for One so holy to dwell within one so unworthy. Make my heart your home and be pleased this night as I pour out my praise and thanksgiving to you for all you have done in my life.

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