GOD'S DWELLING PLACE

 DECEMBER 20, 2022

2 Samuel 7:11b-13

“I will raise up your offspring to succeed you… and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

These words from God to David in 2 Samuel 7:12–13 is a powerful promise in the "now and not yet." We know that this promise is fulfilled in David’s son Solomon who would indeed build a house, a temple, for the dwelling of God’s glory. It was an awesome temple; it became the measure for any future temples.

In 2 Samuel 7:13, God says, “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” This is not just talking about David’s kingdom or Solomon’s throne that would last throughout Solomon’s life. Davidic kings ruled in Jerusalem for more than four centuries, ending with the exiling of Zedekiah in 586 BCE. The word “forever” tells us we are talking about a throne, a kingdom that would be without end. It is a kingdom that is still going on today.

During the Advent season, we remember God’s promise, not just to bless David, or David’s son, Solomon, but God is going to send a King through David’s line who would reign forever. David’s not reigning anymore, Solomon’s not reigning anymore, and all the kings we read about in the Old Testament aren’t reigning anymore. Jesus comes as King. This is noted for us in the Gospel’s in the accounts of Jesus birth. He is a king in David’s line, and He is still ruling. And He will always govern as King of kings.

Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world." Jesus' kingdom is not restricted by physical boundaries. This kingdom includes all who follow Jesus, who place their faith in him, and live with the Holy Spirit’s help in the way of love. I believe what we are to be mindful of is that it is not a building that defines God's kingdom but the community that works together in love, peace and compassion.