The God Who Rewards

FB_IMG_1462904120975Today, I made an early morning trip to the Capitol in Denver with former 20160510_095259-1Representative Jim Welker. We attended the last legislative Bible study of the session and then visited the floor of the House and Senate. I presented a copy of my book to Senator Andy Kerr from Lakewood and Speaker of the House Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst. I received word today that my supply of books has been shipped and may arrive by the end of the week. Jim and I returned to Loveland in time for our noon Rotary meeting, so by early afternoon, I felt like I had put in a full day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build Me a house to dwell in….‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel….I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land...I declare to you that the Lord Himself will build a house for you.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,8,10 HCSB

As David secured his kingdom in Jerusalem, the first thing he did after bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was to build a house for himself. It didn’t take long before David realized, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of the Lord’s covenant is under tent curtains.” (1 Chron. 17:1 HCSB) In modern day vernacular we would say, “what’s wrong with this picture!?” It would seem odd that the God of all the earth, who was worthy of the highest worship, was represented by a tent and the king was in a palace.

We see as the Lord reminded David later, “the universe itself is not enough to contain Him, let alone any structure made by man.” David’s intentions were good and they were fulfilled by his son Solomon, who was a “man of peace.” However, we see a powerful “turn around.” God tells David, “you will not build a house for me, but I will build a house for you!”

The truth that we see is, God is not concerned about what “we do for Him”  as much as He desires us to understand what He “wants to do for us.” 

I am not talking about obedience or doing the work of God’s kingdom, but that which would be done in a manner or with an attitude that would say, “look what I have done for  God!” or to feel the need to constantly be “doing for God” instead of being a peace with God. David’s heart and motives were pure, he knew that pagan gods had their temples and shrines that were to represent their “glory.” David viewed his role as “doing”- but God let him know that his privilege was receiving.

This is a stark contrast to the pagan concept of any deity. In Old Testament Canaan, you would seek the favor of a deity in hopes that crops would grow and you would have victory in battle. But a god who takes initiative and does for a king or a person not what he asks for but for what he never would consider to ask for was something else!

I think of Paul’s great benediction in Ephesians,Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21 NKJV)

We serve a God who takes the initiative and works in our behalf in ways we would never think of. The Lord saw David’s heart. He allowed David’s vision for a great Temple in honor the “The Lord God” to be come to pass. But God promised David, He would make his name great in all the land and He would build David as “house.” Not just a building or a structure, but a legacy. God was promising David a dynasty that would lead to “The King” of Israel one day coming to His people.

This reminds me of the Lord’s promise to Abraham. Abraham believed the word of the Lord and became a father of nations. David sought to please the Lord and became the head of a lasting dynasty that was secured by the word and promise of the Lord.

As you live for the Lord, remember His desire to “do for you.” To bring peace and blessing into your life just because that is who He is, “the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)