Thursday, June 24, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Leigh Bonner
The God we encounter in 2 Samuel travels with the people. Now that David is resting in a physical house, through Nathaniel, God reminds David, “I have been with you wherever you went.” God reminds David that God never asked for a house of cedar, a permanent dwelling place.
God promises a resting place for God’s people to be planted. There is no indication from this passage where exactly this place is, nor if it includes a house of cedar or any other kind of physical structure. God promises a place for God’s people to be planted, wherever that might be.
What we know for sure about this place, whether of cedar or not, wherever this place might be, is that God promises rest from enemies. Psalm 23 comes to mind: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” In God’s household, there is rest from enemies because God provides a table (not a battlefield).
When God promises a house for David, that household, once again, is not a house of cedar. God promises David a household for his name, one of ancestors that will shepherd God’s people.
Wherever God plants us or transplants us, God dwells there. And a blessed household of people travels with us. All nations and peoples are called to ask: Will our household welcome all, as God would welcome all, including our enemies? Will we allow God space in that household to prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies?
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
