Winston Salem church of Christ

David wanted to build a temple to God’s glory (1 Chron.22:7).  God said no (1 Chron.22:8).  So David quit worshipping God.  Not only did he become unfaithful, he whined, and complained.  In fact, David took all the plans and possessions that he had collected for the temple and threw them away.  Then David went to his room and sulked, not wanting to see anyone. 

Was it fair for God to say no?  David had the right heart.  David had made the plans.  David had done everything necessary, even asking permission to build it. 

And then God says no?!  And listen to the reason God said no: “You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth. (1 Chron.22:8).”  Well…who told David to shed blood?  God!  Who commanded David to wage war?  God!  So…why would God hold all this against him when David’s waging war was obeying God?  David thought, “It’s impossible to please this God.” 

David knew this was unfair and wrong of God, so he quit.  He quit planning and working for God.  He destroyed all the plans for the porch, buildings, storehouses, upper rooms, inner rooms and even the room for the mercy seat.  If he can’t use them, then no one will.  He took the gold and silver that he had collected and built for himself a bigger and better house – bigger than the temple he had planned.  David showed God that he wasn’t going to be pushed around. 

And none of this is true.  We know David did not react that way.  In fact, David did exactly the opposite and did what he could (1 Chron.28).  How about me?  When God does not allow me to do what I want, am I still willing to do what I can?  I wonder….

Perry D. Hall