5 Insights when God says No

 Read 1 Chronicles 17. 

This is a pivotal chapter in the scriptures.  David wanted to do a great thing for God.  Instead, God wanted to do an eternal thing for David. 

It bothered King David that he lived in a palace and God was worshiped in a tent.  The Tabernacle was a portable tent established during the days of Moses 500 years prior to this.  The LORD was pleased with David's intentions and the plans for a permanent Temple would come later.  But this was not the time for it.  Instead, God established an unconditional covenant with David and his descendants forever.  Notice all the "I will" statements and there are no "if" conditions. 

-The LORD will make David's name great.

-The LORD will establish His people in the land.

-The LORD will make David's family the royal family for Israel.

-The LORD will insure that David has perpetual descendants.

-The LORD will establish David's throne forever.

This is a key reason for the genealogy in Matthew 1.  It proves that Jesus was born in the direct lineage of David and has a right to this throne.  When Jesus returns, it will be to rule as King and not just of Israel.  He will rule the nations as King of kings and LORD of lords. See Revelation 19:11-17. 

Insights for us all from this episode in David's life:

1. God can use our discontent or frustration to start us down a path of action.

2. There was nothing wrong with David's desires.  But he was not the person and this was not the time for that desire to be fulfilled.

3. The initial, well-meaning affirmations of a close friend are not necessarily confirmations of what God wants done.

4. God does have plans for our lives and futures.  He chooses not to reveal those plans in advance so that we will walk by faith and learn to dependently trust Him.

5. When God says "no" to our desires, He is saying "yes" to something incredibly greater that we may not be able to see for a while.