Observation: David has an idea to build Yahweh a temple, and while the prophet Nathan at first says David should proceed, he then receives a word from the Lord that David should not do it. This is how the Lord begins that prophetic word ... pointing out that, throughout his time in the presence of Israel, he has never commanded anyone to build him a building.
Yes, even Moses declared via prophesy that someday the Lord would decide on a place to dwell. However, for hundreds of years now, the Lord has been content to have his footstool - in the form of the arc - reside in a tent, and even to have it moved about and kept in homes from time to time. While the Lord could command at any time for Israel to undertake to build him a grand temple, he never has. One possible reason could be that Israel itself was not ready for such an undertaking ... they required a worthy, fortified city, surrounded by a fully established nation occupying the entire land, governed by a true and worthy king, and thus far their tribal growth and unstable history hadn't afforded that.
However, another simple reason may also exist. The world belongs to Yahweh. While people may desire a place to honor and worship and celebrate the Lord, he himself does not require such a place because he should be honored and worshipped and celebrated ... everywhere. While golden walls with carved palm trees may be one way of representing heaven, in truth the beauty of all creation is the reflection of the Lord's heavenly realm. In short, he doesn't need a house of cedar because he has forests of cedar trees.
Application: As I have travelled (too much) over the last three weeks, I have seen and appreciated some very nice places. One aspect I don't remember often enough is that all of it - from the linksland of Scotland to farmland of California to woodlands right out my back window - is the Lord's true dwelling place. All the world, and all the strangers I see along the way, are his beloved creation.
I truly should celebrate the presence of the Lord everywhere, always. This is especially true when I am out experiencing his creation. My very perception of creation as 'beautiful' is evidence of the Lord, and the fact that what he created he imbued into the human heart to cherish and enjoy.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you now for the beauty I see every day. Even as I have enjoyed the last few weeks and the experiences I had, may I also remember that the places I enjoyed are your, created by you, as a gift of love to us. Creation is a reflection of heaven, and of your heart. I thank you and honor you. May my enjoyment of creation be an act of worship of you. Amen.
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