Jerusalem- Great Plans Series

Series: Biblical Cities- Jerusalem [#5]

JERUSALEM- GREAT PLANS

Matthew 23:37

Introduction:

We are continuing in our Series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Tonight, we are going to study the city that is 1st on the list- Jerusalem. Jerusalem is mentioned 811 times in the Bible. Currently, there are 3 different Religions that consider Jerusalem to be a holy site- Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Matthew 23:37

David had made Jerusalem the Capital of Israel. He then brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Tonight, I want us to look at David’s next plan- Building a Temple for God. David shows us that man’s great plans are not always God’s plans. How do we know if God is pleased with our plans? I want us to see this from 3 different perspectives- David’s, Nathan’s, and God’s perspectives.

2 Samuel 7:1-2

1. David’s perspective.

God had given David rest and David wanted to show his thankfulness. David felt bad that he was living in a nice house and the Ark of the Covenant was sitting in a tent. David wanted to build a building, (a Temple) that would honor God. His intentions were very noble. He saw a need and he wanted to create the solution.

Application:

* Never be too busy for God.

David was a very busy man, governing over the Nation of Israel. He was bringing the 12 Tribes of Israel together, making decisions all of the time; and yet, he had time for God.

* Be observant.

David knew of many of Nations that had special temples and buildings for their gods; and yet Jehovah God had a tent. David wanted the 1 true God to be honored above any other god.

* Take the initiative to provide solutions for problems.

David didn’t put it on anyone else, he decided that a Temple should be built. He did ask the Prophet Nathan’s opinion.

2 Samuel 7:3

2. Nathan’s perspective.

David asked Nathan’s opinion and he quickly said it was a good idea. Nathan made a mistake that many of us make- Make a decision without praying about it 1st. Nathan assumed that since David had found favor with God that it had to be a great idea.

Application:

* Always go to the Lord before making a decision or giving advice.

* Do not assume that you have the right answer.

2 Samuel 7:4-17

3. God’s perspective.

We all know that we do not see things like God does. God wanted David to know that He was not upset with him or Israel for not building Him a Temple. The Ark of the Covenant and the Tent it was in had moved from place to place and that was ok.

Application:

* What matters to God is different than what matters to us.

God was not offended that no one had come up with this plan before David. People’s obedience and love meant much more than a building.

* God takes us and grows us if we allow Him to do so.

God reminded David where He had brought him from. God took him from being a shepherd to the leader of His people. David did not do this on his own.

* God is not obligated to do things our way.

God tells David that his throne will last forever, and we know that is true through Jesus. Although God agreed to a Temple being built for Him, it would not be built by David; but by his son.

Conclusion:

There are many times that we have great ideas; but God’s plan is different. Be obedient and trust His plan.