The whole idea of David looking at his life of wealth and then looking at the tent that God resided in, bothered him, and rightly so.  I believe that the older Gen X and those older than that come to God with the idea that the best belongs to God. If I were to do a survey of what the “best” was, most responders would give an answer that was largely in a material form. While David’s head and heart were in construction, I would say that a cup of cold water, a loaf of bread and even a new garment could be sacred gifts too. The bigger idea is that a gift made, in Jesus’ name, is really an expression of my prayer to Him for His blessing on the one whom the gift is given.

 The king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.”                     2 Samuel 7:2  ESV

I am sure that the greatness and glory of God’s presence and power cannot be seen, understood and interpreted in what the surroundings and settings look like. Before Jesus was born in a stable, Elijah was taught that God’s presence was not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the still small voice. It was a shame that the Corinthian church regarded that style and sensationalism as what was more spiritual. Worse, is that they decided to despise those who were less spectacular. True expressions of God’s glory are not in the external, but more in the fact that God Himself is in us, His body. God’s glory can be found where God is present.

Taking a continued look at the Corinthian church, I found two principles there that I can take advice from as to my character as a disciple of Jesus. They are truth and faithfulness – let my “no” be that and my “yes” the same.

Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. – 2 Corinthians 1:17-19  ESV

Then I continued to read and started with Psalm 2. What a great prayer – another model for me to see what a disciple looks like.

David’s Prayer

The focus cannot be me and my needs, only on God and what He wants from me. How many times do I want to be the rescuer, the overachiever, the best teacher or the most popular. I even want to be the best in my profession. What is really important is that I do what I am called to do and do it in a way that will reflect God’s love and grace. My world is all about the numbers and accomplishments. However, I am a follower of Jesus, the shepherd who abandon the ninety-nine for the one. I believe Jesus said something along the lines that the first will be last. The one with the most toys actually does not win.