The Truth 08.19.07

1 Chron 28:1 Now David assembled at Jerusalem all the leaders of Israel: the officers of the tribes and the captains of the divisions who served the king, the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officials, the valiant men, and all the mighty men of valor. 2 Then King David rose to his feet and said, "Hear me, my brethren and my people: I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made preparations to build it. 3 But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.'

We are so politicized in this day and age that we never expect our leaders to tell the truth. We expect our leaders to shape the truth in a way that sounds palatable to the majority of the audience they may be speaking to. “You can’t please everyone,” may be a well-worn mantra, but at the same time it seems our leaders strive to cause the least offense possible.

So we never know where our leaders stand. Hard questions are deflected or they are never answered at all. We are so used to this we are no longer shocked or surprised – we expect it. What do politicians really stand for? Who really knows?

Things were different in David’s day. He said what was on his heart, without frills, embellishment, or even embarrassment. You might say this is because David has the absolute leadership position of king - and that no one would dare to oppose him - but that would be forgetting David has already faced two rebellions, including one led by his own son which actually deposed him for a time. David is no stranger to strong opposition. Nor can he expect his son to be.

So what would you expect David to do as he attempts to rally support for his son Solomon as he anticipates stepping down? Should he recount his victories and his great efforts to maintain his power? No, David speaks from his heart, about his heart’s desire, and he says what God says.

Without consideration for perception or opinion, David simply tells the truth. “Hey guys, I wanted more than anything to build a temple for God – but God said ‘No!’” And then he asks for them to support Solomon as he will be doing what David is not allowed to do by God. David didn’t make up a cover story to couch the reason he was passing the building of the temple to Solomon. He laid it out for all to hear. “God told me, ‘No!’”

I think David sets a wonderful example for all of us. Why do we struggle with perception when God says, “No”? Why is “No” an embarrassing answer to relate to our brothers and sisters? Should we not understand together that “No” is as blessed and sanctified an answer as “Yes”? David did. Like David, we should be pleased in whatever guidance God provides – even if it means we don’t get to do what we think we want to do. And, no matter what, we must say what God says.

- Pastor Bill