READING: 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, 1 Chronicles 17:16-27, 2 Samuel 8:1-14, 1 Chronicles 18:1-13, Psalm 60
A few days ago (04/20/22), I wrote a devotion about the wonder of God’s willingness to communicate with us. David had sought direction about returning to Judah, and God gave him an answer. It truly is amazing that God speaks to us; there is indeed no other God like Him!
Today, though, we read of another way God communicates to us: through His people. In this case, David was considering building God a “house,” but God sent word through Nathan that His plan was not for David to tackle this task. One of his offspring would do so, but not David. In some kind of vision, God delivered this message to Nathan, who then delivered it to David: “So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision” (1 Chr 17:15). Nathan had at first affirmed David’s idea, but he then later announced God’s direction to the king.
All of us need someone who, even when he or she doesn’t always get it right, nevertheless listens to God and humbly yet clearly speaks into our lives. We may not always like what we hear, but we must be grateful for those who love us enough to correct us under the leadership of the Lord. And, we must walk so closely with the Lord that others trust us, too, when we challenge them.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Who plays this role of trusted spokesperson in your life?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, give me believers who speak into my life—and give me wisdom in speaking to others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:14-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 48; 2 Samuel 9:1–10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19