There is danger in guessing what is best for God. In that He is often silent, the temptation is great to run ahead and presume we have a better idea.
King David, a man after God's own heart, felt that a permanent temple was better suited for YHWH God than a portable tabernacle. But, as he was about to proceed, God communicated these words through Nathan the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, 'Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle. Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar ?' "' (2 Samuel 7.5-7)
Hundreds of years later, a man named Stephen would echo these words: "David found favor in God's sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?' " (Act 7.46-50)
God commanded plans for a tabernacle, but conceded plans for a temple. The emblem of His presence among God's people was to be something portable and flexible. However, a presumed "better plan" was inflexible and ornate, and eventually a source of misguided worship and idolatry.
Regardless of how much better our idea might seem, God's specific directives reflect His infinitely greater wisdom and understanding, and are best carefully obeyed and observed. The problem with assuming we have a better idea is not always so much about the specific idea as it is with such an attitude.
David certainly meant well, and is an outstanding example of a man whose great desire was for his Father. Which only goes to prove that we can error with even the best of intentions when we presume our plan is better than God's.
The wisdom of Proverbs 3.5-6 is well proven through the story and legacy of the temple: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."
May we choose His will and plans, without question or reservation.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
King David, a man after God's own heart, felt that a permanent temple was better suited for YHWH God than a portable tabernacle. But, as he was about to proceed, God communicated these words through Nathan the prophet:
"Thus says the LORD, 'Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle. Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar ?' "' (2 Samuel 7.5-7)
Hundreds of years later, a man named Stephen would echo these words: "David found favor in God's sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?' " (Act 7.46-50)
God commanded plans for a tabernacle, but conceded plans for a temple. The emblem of His presence among God's people was to be something portable and flexible. However, a presumed "better plan" was inflexible and ornate, and eventually a source of misguided worship and idolatry.
Regardless of how much better our idea might seem, God's specific directives reflect His infinitely greater wisdom and understanding, and are best carefully obeyed and observed. The problem with assuming we have a better idea is not always so much about the specific idea as it is with such an attitude.
David certainly meant well, and is an outstanding example of a man whose great desire was for his Father. Which only goes to prove that we can error with even the best of intentions when we presume our plan is better than God's.
The wisdom of Proverbs 3.5-6 is well proven through the story and legacy of the temple: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."
May we choose His will and plans, without question or reservation.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:35 AM
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