27 March | EVERYONE
«Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.» 2 Samuel 7:29
The early years of David’s reign were dominated by a spirit of gratitude and worship on the part of the king. The wars were over, their enemies had disappeared, and the kingdom enjoyed years of peace and prosperity. One day, he looked at the cedar house in which he lived, and his conscience shook him. How was it possible for him to live in comfort, while the ark of the Lord dwelt in a tent?
He immediately sent for the prophet Nathan and told him to consult with God if he would agree to have a temple built for Him. God’s answer was, “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? [...] I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel.” (2 Sam. 7:5, 8). God then promised him that it would not be he, but his son, who would build Him a temple, but his name would be perpetuated. “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” (v. 16). This promise referred to Jesus, who would be born of the seed of David, but who would be an eternal king and Prince of Peace. It was a covenant of faithfulness between God and David.
Even though he was not allowed to build the temple in his lifetime, David gathered the materials needed for what would later become the temple built by Solomon, and he taught us a valuable lesson: even if it is not always possible to achieve what we hope for, it is necessary to help others fulfill their dreams. If we cannot build, let us gather the materials for the one who comes after us. If we cannot drink the water from the well, let us at least take it out for others to drink.
Dreams do not die with you. The dreamer may die, but the dream survives generations. All of this is part of the covenant of nobility and service that we can make with God.
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Keep close to God and your surroundings will also be blessed. And your legacy will be a blessing to those who, in time, come after you.