Seeking the Lord first
by Maria Rudolph
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He [David] said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent’ (2 Samuel 7:2).
Read 2 Samuel 7:1–17
The reason David was such a great king of Israel and Judah was that he put God first. We all know that David also had some significant slip-ups, for which he would suffer the consequences.
However, today, we see a prime example of what makes David a great role model: David considers his future in consultation with the Lord. Instead of rushing on ahead and doing what he thinks is best, his first move is to bring his ideas before God. And Nathan the prophet confirms God’s green light: ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you’ (2 Samuel 7:3).
This stands in stark contrast to King Saul, who grieved God by rushing ahead according to what he thought was best (1 Samuel 15:1–31). In the end, Saul paid a high price for ignoring God: it cost him his kingship and, eventually, his life.
We are not dissimilar to King David in that we strive to follow God, and we have some significant slip-ups at times, too. Let us be encouraged today by David’s conduct in seeking God first. This requires some patient waiting on our part, usually exactly when all we want to do is rush ahead and ‘get on with it’. Be intentional like David in presenting your plans to God or God’s people; be ready to listen to what God has to say. God will guide you well.
Guide me, O my great Redeemer. Be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Not my will, but your will be done. Let me follow your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Maria serves at St John’s Lutheran Church Perth in Western Australia. She is blessed with her pastor husband, Michael, who serves at Concordia Lutheran Church, Duncraig. With God’s help, they navigate ministry across two parishes and life at home with two beautiful primary-school-aged kids and one amazing high schooler. Pastor Maria also serves the Lutheran Church on the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations.
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