Song # 1084.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. In the Book of 1 Chronicles, chapter 17, we read about David’s concern that while he lived in a cedar palace, the ark of the covenant of the Lord was housed in a tent.
After David was settled in his palace he said to Nathan the prophet “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent” (1 Chronicles 17:1). That night, the word of God came to Nathan saying (1 Chronicles 17:3), “Tell my servant David, ‘You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in’ ” (1 Chronicles 17:4). “I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt to this day. I have moved from one tent site to another, from one dwelling-place to another” (1 Chronicles 17:5). “Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their leaders whom I have commanded to shepherd my people ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ ” (1 Chronicles 17:6). Tell David “I have been with you wherever you have gone. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men of the earth” (1 Chronicles 17:8). “And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning” (1 Chronicles 17:9). “When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish His kingdom” (1 Chronicles 17:11). “He (Jesus) is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish His throne for ever” (1 Chronicles 17:12). “I will be His Father, and He will be my Son. I will never take my love away from Him, as I took it away from your predecessor” (1 Chronicles 17:13). “I will set Him over my house and my kingdom for ever, His throne will be established for ever” (1 Chronicles 17:14).
Thought for today: God tests our faith, so we can trust in His faithfulness.
Thought for the future: God speaks to those who listen, and listens to those who pray. Where will you spend your eternity?