Scripture
2 Samuel 7:1–7; John 1:14
Reflection
The covenants give us a behind-the-scenes look at what God is doing in redemptive history. They explain the why of Christmas. When David looks around his cedar palace and notices that God is dwelling in a tent, his desire is sincere. He wants to do something great for God. He wants God’s name to be exalted by building him a temple.
But God’s response is surprising. He reminds David that he has never asked for a permanent house. From Egypt, through the wilderness, and through the days of the judges, God chose to dwell with his people wherever they were. This response must have come as a surprise to David. David wants to do a great thing for God—to see his name glorified by building him a beautiful “house”—but God says, in effect, “Not yet.”
In fact, God is teaching David a powerful lesson about who he is and how he relates to his people. While David may think it unbecoming for the God of glory to dwell in a tent during the wilderness years and in the chaotic days of the judges, God was teaching him that he is not distant from His people. While his people were in the wilderness, he was right there with them. While they were undergoing hardship, trial, and tribulation, the God of the universe was in their midst—present with them in all their affliction.
As we explored in the sermon, this reveals the heart of God. He is a God who cannot stand to be separated from his people. He dwells with us. And that truth reaches its fulfillment at Christmas: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Literally, he tabernacled among us.
Christmas is more than a baby in a manger. It is about God coming to be with his people in real time and real space. When life is difficult, when reality doesn’t match the promises, we have the assurance that God is with his people in a steadfast, unbreakable covenant relationship. And that is the best gift this world has ever known.
Questions:
- Where do you most need to be reminded that God is with you and not distant?
- How does Christmas deepen your confidence that God enters into your suffering rather than avoiding it?