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April 20, 1999, Tuesday
Is it a blessing for a country to have peace all around
it and not pressed on all sides? Why do some countries
live in peace while others are in constant turmoil? Will
there be a time when the poor and downtrodden will not be
afflicted any more?
The Scripture tells us that David had a noble idea to
build a temple and it was approved by Nathan the prophet.
The idea came to him as he was reflecting and enjoying
the peace that God had given him from many conflicts--
"And it came to pass when the king sat in his house, and
the Lord had given him peace all around him from all his
enemies" (2Sam 7:1). David considered what good thing he
could do to bring God glory.
Nathan returned to David to explain that even though his
idea and design for a temple for God was a wonderful idea
God did not intend for David to build this grand temple--
"Go and tell my servant David, The LORD says this, Will
you build a house for Me to live in? Why is it I have not
lived in any house since the time that I brought up the
children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but
have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle?" (1Sam 7:5-6)
God did appreciate David's intentions and Nathan replied
with God's answer that God's promise was true to David
for generations to come. However David was reminded of
his humble beginnings and that it was better to worship
God in a tent than a temple if God were in it. David was
reminded and made aware of the importance of humility.
God spoke to David in dialogue manner to reveal His kind
and merciful intentions to David and his children. His
faithful promise to Israel and all Believers brings hope-
"Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel,
and will plant them, that they may live in a place of
their own, and move no more; neither shall the children
of wickedness afflict them any more, like they did before
(2Sam 7:10). No more affliction from Satan and what the
world may afflict on the Believer, but God's protection!
Let us remember Who is the God that is our peace. God's
Name is Jehová Shalom. He is the God that puts His peace
all around His people. He is the God that is helping us
learn His ways. He is meek and humble and makes us aware
that the fear of the Lord gives protection. He will soon
crush Satan under our feet and instructs us from all of
His teaching. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today
for the fact that He keeps us with in His peace!
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