Psalm 133:5
In the Ancient world there was a firm belief that if the respective deity is welcomed and made an appropriate abode for this would guarantee the deity's presence and respective good fortunes that naturally would follow up.
David was influenced by his environment and he believed that his relationship and the relationship of Israel with Yahwe would never be completed unless a "dwelling place" for God is secured by the virtue of building a temple. God's presence, unlike the other gods made after primitive ideas of the divine, would guarantee real safety, blessing, aboundant life and peace to the people of God - Israel.
David's determination to have God close to himself and his people was admirable and we all should realise that this attitude very much made him "a man in accordance with the heart of God" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
In the previous verses he is saying that he "wouldn't rest" or "give sleep to his eyelids" untill temple is built. God likes people, who want Him close to them and mean business regarding His will.
We can say that we want people to come to God, but if we don't share the good news through works and words it somehow falls short from full, proper commitment. If we say we want God's will be done on this earth, but rarely give time to supporting the ministry of the church then again something else is seemingly priority in our lives. God wants us to make His will and desire to show His love in Jesus to the world our leading priority. "There is time for everything under the Sun"(Eccl 3:1) and if there is no or little time for God's work then it seems we don't manage this resource well enough.
But building the opulent architectural edifice was not what would satisfy God. He clearly said to David that the latter doesn't understand what the concept of "God's place" means.
If we liken the work for the Gospel and serving others in the name of Jesus with building the temple then filling up the temple with God's presence happens through developing personal relationship with God. Only works and words which are out of faith that is working through love (Gal 5:6) are really satisfactory for God. Both faith and love come through relationship with God. One comes through hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17) and the other comes by the Spirit of God who supernaturally pours it in our hearts in Jesus (Rom 5:5). Achieving and retaining that state of ministry and knowing God surely implies similar determination and resolve as David had. We can not give our spiritual eyes rest and let inner self go to the comfort of its bed (as the previous verses state) until we see God and find Him by letting Him dwell fully in us.
When His words and Spirit fill us up then we are ready to met out to the world what God has for them. The true fun begins then.
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for never being too tired or busy for us. Your love is indescribable. Please, give is grace, so we can be full of decisiveness and faith and love through which we would give a lot of fruit for your Kingdom.
In Jesus' mighty and sweet Name! Amen!
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