“Did I ever say anything to even one of them about building a cedar temple for me?”
Observation
David has a guilt attack about living in a fine palace while God's “house” is a tent. The prophet Nathan thinks it's a fine idea to build a temple, but when he asks God, it's a very different matter- as it often is with God.
God doesn't care about having a temple. His greater concern is that his people walk in communion with Him.
The Lord promises that David's house will always be the line of kings in Israel. One of David's sons will be the one to build the temple.
Application
Religious ideas are so tantalising. It seems so right that God should have a nice building for us to worship Him in- but God just doesn't care.
It seems so right that we should act in a certain way, or wear the right clothes, say nice prayers.
These are all externals. It is the heart that God looks at, not our clothes, words and actions. He wants a holy heart, a changed mind, genuine love.
Do I long for God for His sake, or just to make myself look good or feel good?
Am I truly being changed from “glory to glory” by the presence of God in my life?
Prayer
Father I renounce the spirit of religion that seeks to captivate me with nice sounding but false ideas of what pleases you. I offer you my body and spirit, heart and mind to be used to your purposes. Make me, mould me and use me for your glory. Amen.
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