Do you know why David was given a great and exalted name above all kings and those who preceded him in Israel?
It’s because there came a time when he reflected and thought: “God has given me everything—He has given me a kingdom, excellent leadership over all Israel, a beautiful house to dwell in—but why is it only me He shows such kindness to, while I do nothing for Him?”
He looked around and noticed that God had no dwelling place. He observed that the Ark of the Covenant was kept behind curtains, in thick darkness, inside worn-out tents. (1 Kings 8:12)
Then he reasoned in his heart: “This is not right. I will build a house for the Lord to dwell in.”
But that very night, the Word of the Lord came to Nathan the prophet and said: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.’”
And God continued: “Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’”
What God meant to say to David was this: “I never asked for this from anyone. I didn’t want to seem like I was forcing them. I waited for someone to discover this on their own. But none of them did—except you, David. And because you have thought this in your heart, to honor me and bring me out of darkness and old tents, I will give you a great name and a better place.”
2 Samuel 7:1–9 (NIV) 1 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. 7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.
2 Samuel 7:1–9 (NIV)
1 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him,
2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:
5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?
6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.
7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel.
9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.
David then began all the preparations for the building of the temple, and later his son Solomon completed it.
Today we know how God gave David a name greater than all those before him. Even our Lord Jesus came from that same lineage of David in the flesh. But it all started because David didn’t wait to be told—he simply acted.
Today, many of God’s works are lacking, and yet God remains silent. He is watching and saying nothing. Yes, He will continue to be with us as His children and as His servants—He may even use us like He used Samuel.
But unless we examine and take action where there is need, we shouldn’t expect God to come and say, “Please do this or that for Me.”
The same goes for you. If you are born again, and you know that giving to God is your responsibility, don’t expect God to one day ask you:
“Why haven’t you given?”
He won’t say it. You’re supposed to recognize it yourself.
If you know you are called to share the Gospel using the gift God has placed in you, don’t sit back waiting for a vision or for God to speak audibly saying, “Go preach.”
Erase that thought completely.
It’s understandable if a new believer is waiting for guidance, but you, who have been saved for months or years and have no testimony—you are not waiting on God; God is waiting on you.
“As soon as you take a step, God adds another.”
So don’t wait for God to tell you. Just do it.
On this day, from this message, the Bible teaches us to have eyes like David’s, so that we too may be honored by the Lord and be given a great name—both here and in eternity.
May the Lord bless us.
If you would like to share this message or receive such teachings via email or WhatsApp, you can reach out using the contact provided:
+255 789 001 312 / 0693 036 618
Print this post