The Promise of God
Daily Old Testament Reading: Psalm 25, 29;1 Chronicles 17
Daily Focus Passage: 1 Chronicles 17
In Genesis 12, the Lord came to Abraham and created a covenant that included a promise of a great name, a great nation, and a great blessing. The covenant made with Abraham was solid and unconditional. This covenant became a reality through the people of Israel and then through the believers today. In 1 Chronicles 17, David receives a similar promise after the Lord rejects his plans to build a home for the Ark of the Covenant. While telling David his plans did not align with the Lord’s, the Lord encouraged a promise.
THE LORD PROMISED A GREAT NAME
The Lord told David that he and his offspring would carry a great name. When we think about David, we know he is considered a man after God’s heart. This description points to the character of David and his relationship with the Lord. At the same time, the name of David carried respect in his day and continues to carry respect today. His life presents a model of seeking the Lord and serving him.
THE LORD PROMISED A LEGACY
The Lord promised David a great legacy. David received the promise that his offspring would hold the honor of constructing the home for the Ark of the Covenant. At the same time, David received the guarantee that his legacy would remain and his family's name would be lasting. Ultimately, this points to the promised Messiah from David’s line. We recognize that David may not have been able to construct the earthly dwelling place of the Ark, but his line would offer entrance into the heavenly, eternal dwelling place.
THE LORD PROMISED A BLESSING
The Lord promised David that the world would be blessed through his line. We recognize that the offspring of David ruled Israel for generations and that these leaders brought either blessings or curses. Yet, the greatest blessing available to humanity comes through the Davidic line in Christ. The blessing available comes in the form of redemption and is eternal. Thus, the Lord promised David a greater blessing that constructing a building.
David desired deeply to construct a place for the Ark, yet the Lord had different plans. We may often have plans to serve the Lord in a particular manner, but we must live ready for him to adjust those plans and call us to something greater. We may not see the fullness of the work, but we rest in the promises of the Lord. When we seek to serve the Lord, we must recognize that he is leading us to live in the promise of a great name, a great people, and a great blessing. How will the next generation know your relationship with the Lord?
