“"I will build you a house"”
Imagine having a really great idea for God.
A vision of doing something spectacular for Him in response to all He has done for you.
In the tradition of the famous quote of William Carey “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God”.
Think over the past while – over whatever time period – and consider the blessing and presence of God.
Think of His love to you and what is an acceptable response or offering.
Imagine a moment when the sense of what God has done overwhelms you and you want to somehow express to Him something of your thanks and worship.
That you want to do something great for Him in response to all He has done for you.
What would you offer?
What would you attempt?
What would you promise to Him? Commit to do for Him? Promise to give Him?
In some respects – it is somewhat of a dilemma.
And one faced by King David one day. But David being David – he was determined to try. And so he came up with a plan.
A glorious one.
[Read 2 Sam 7:1-7, 11b-13, 16]
David wanted to build a “house” for God. A dwelling place.
Ever since the Israelites had come out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses – the dwelling place of God had been a tent.
That had been a tabernacle. It could be packed down and moved on in response to the pillar of cloud or fire of God which led them to the Promised Land.
But that was 500 years before.
Now David wants to build a more permanent dwelling for God. One more in tune with God’s majesty and character.
God responds – He will build a “house” for David. But God’s definition of “house” is different.
God means a Name. A dynasty.
As Isaiah records – God’s thoughts and ways are on an entirely different level.
And so – David is there with, in one sense, his plans in tatters.
He has a noble plan; an attempt to respond to God. Even Nathan the prophet thinks it is a great idea.
And then God speaks of greater things again.
God has a plan of salvation which encompasses the world and all who live in it.
He has eternity in view.
He is building a “house”.
We trace this theme of the house God is building; this house which is for eternity.
And so we come to the Christmas story.
The moment when God’s building plan comes to fruition.
And every Christmas we find ourselves compelled to declare along with David – we had no idea that God meant it to be this way.
We had no idea that this is what building a “house” meant.
John 1:14 says:
"And the Word became flesh and lived (tabernacled) among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Later in a confrontation in the Temple in Jerusalem – Jesus further defines the “house” or dwelling place – when He says:
"Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”" (John 2:19)
The Christmas moment really intensifies what this means.
Really brings it “down to earth”.
The moment that does it for me is the visit of Mary with Elizabeth.
[Read Luke 1:39-45]
Here the dwelling place of God is the womb of a young woman.
And this extraordinary scene of God and His prophet – with their mothers – in this moment of joy and divine presence; yet it is so utterly human (cf Phil 2).
In one sense a common human experience (pregnancy) yet in another sense utterly divine.
Here is the fulfilment of the promise to David 1000 years before.
Here is the moment when God shows that how serious He is in fulfilling the promise to David.
And the focus of His attention is Mary.
A person overwhelmed by what has happened to her. Yet her story and example to us is that she is receptive to God; and avails her whole self to His purposes.
Maybe we can put it like this.
God is building a house; a dynasty; a Name – and He entrusts that to a young woman.
At the crucial moment.
Maybe the thing about David and Mary is this.
Their acceptance of the ways of God. Regardless.
One is a King. One is a girl of humble means.
Yet – both are vessels for the purposes of God.
Their hearts are malleable.
Able to be formed.
Shall we say – they’re putty in the hands of God. In the hands of the Potter.
And maybe there is something that they are both known for the songs they sung in response to God.
David with his many Psalms.
Mary with her song recorded in Luke. The magnificat.
[Read Luke 1:26-38 – The Message]
We began with the reflection – the thought – about expecting and achieving great things for God.
About creating and entertaining great ideas for God in response to all that He has done.
About having a vision for God.
Christmas teaches us one thing – allow God to have His way.
Maybe what Christmas teaches us is that all that we do for Him; that we want to do for Him – has to be realised that it is always and only in response to what He has done for the world.
And that maybe there is in each heart – a song of praise. Personal and yet public.
God is establishing His house in our time.
His Kingdom.
We respond to that.
Relinquish control and respond to Him reaching us.
This Christmas as you consider – dreams, hopes, vision for God; still your heart and be aware that His vision is that He continues to build His house and dynasty.
And that He seeks to do that in your time and through your life.
What “song” forms in your heart?
What words, offering of your heart gives voice to what God is doing in your time?
Presented By: Rev Geoff New