Building a House

Scripture: I Chronicles 17 Key Verse: 17:4-6
"Say to David, my servant, 'This is what the LORD says: You must not build this house for me to live in. I haven't lived in a house from the day I brought Israel out [of Egypt] to this day, but I've gone from tent site to tent site, moving the tent [of meeting] from one location [to another]. In all the places I've moved with all Israel, did I ever ask any of the judges of Israel whom I ordered to be shepherds of my people why they didn't build me a house of cedar?'"

Objective:
1 Chronicles 17 is the story of David wanting to build a house for the Lord and the Lord telling David not to. The Lord then goes on to tell of the one that will build a house for him, and establish the kingdom forever. This leader would be a son of David thus making his family know forever. David praises God for everything.

Application:
The house of the Lord does get built by David's Son Solomon. However, I believe the passage is talking about the kingdom that will be set up by Jesus. The house of God is not a physical place but the hearts of men. This can only happen because Jesus died for our sins. This act of sacrifice allows us to connect with God in a way that only Adam and Eve knew.

Buildings and tents come and go with time. They can be easily destroyed by an enemy, but a solid relationship will stand the test of time. Through the entire bible we see God continually trying to establish this relationship. He finally pays the ultimate price, and allows us to make the decision whether we want the relationship or not. Have or will you invited God into your life? I pray that God will reveal himself to you in new ways.

Prayer:
Lord, build your house in my heart. Live in me. Help us to continually fill our lives with you. The church building is not were you live. We carry you throughout our lives.Reveal yourself to us in a new way that those that haven't decided yet can make a choice.