Devotion for Saturday 22 May
Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from the Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 7 verse 28, “Lord God, you are God, and your words are true,” (NRSVB). The background to our watchword is situated in the history of God’s journey with his servant, King David. In the latter part of the reign of David, there was peace in the land and the dwelling of the king was safe and secure, a permanent palacial dwelling made of stone and wood. David discussed with the prophet Nathan, who was the successor to Samuel, and told him that he wanted to build a temple for the Lord, for the Ark of the Lord was dwelling in the curtains of the Tent of Tabernacle. The prophet thought that David’s plan was a good plan and gave instruction that David should start with building the Temple.
That night, God appeared to the prophet Nathan in a dream, and told him to tell King David not to start building the temple. God said that once David’s days are over and he is sleeping in the grave with his fathers, then God will appoint an off-spring of David, whose kingdom God will established. He would be tasked to build the Temple of the Lord. David accepted the prophet’s message and saw it as a blessing from God’s hand, for God promised him that one of his children would be the future King of Israel. David’s kingdom would thus continue and be a kingdom where God will reign and establish his Name and Presence.
David’s dream, to build a temple, was a good and splendid desire, and God did not denounce the idea of the temple, however, God told David that he work would not be building the temple. David came to the Lord in prayer and thanks-giving. He did not interpret God’s instruction to wait, as rejection, rather, that God has accepted the lineage of David to build the royal house of Israel. From the line of David, our Messiah was born, in the city of David, namely Bethlehem.
Sometimes, we are asked to wait; sometimes our plans will be fulfilled, but we would not be the instruments bringing these plans to fruition. At the appointed time of God’s plan, God’s words and promises regarding these plans, will be fulfilled. King David decided to contribute to the building of the house of the Lord by starting to collect different materials. He had these stored in order that his son would have a legacy given towards the temple from his father, King David. God’s promise to David was spoken before his son, Solomon, was born. God is the God of the past, the present and the future and his Word will not return to him empty.
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself,” John 1 verse 1, (Amplified Bible). Jesus Christ is the Logos, the Word of God, who came to live and dwell with mankind, God’s Word among us. When Jesus was arrested the garden, Peter took out his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword back into the sheath! The cup which my Father has given Me , shall I not drink it?” Peter thought that he could protect the Living Word of God, with his sword. Jesus said to him that it was not the time of the sword, yet, only after the crucifixion and resurrection, will the truth of the Words of Christ, the Son of God, be revealed and understood. Then the Word of God shall be acknowledged as a sharp instrument cutting through the unrighteous words of the enemies of God, the enemies of truth.
The Apostle Paul encourages the believer to use the Word of God as the sword of truth, the yardstick, measuring our deeds and acts in protecting us against the onslaughts of evil. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God,” Ephesians Chapter Six verse 17. When Jesus was tempted by the Devil, Jesus quoted scripture to refute the the Devil’s claims.
The Word of God distinguishes between right and wrong and brings truth and life. “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews Chapter 4 verse 12. Believe that the Word of God works through the world to bring truth and life, peace and stability. The Word of God is translated by the Spirit and interpreted through Him. It is the living, working God among us, Christ’s the Word of Redemption.
Father, we thank you that you have given us your Son, Your Word made flesh, for us. We thank you that Your Word is powerful to destroy all the strongholds of evil, Amen.
