Wednesday, March 5, 2008
1 Chronicles 17:11-15
When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’” In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. (ESV)
by Linda Harris
This passage holds double meaning; the prophecy refers both to Solomon and to Jesus Christ. Solomon, David’s successor to the throne, built the temple. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prediction of David’s throne being established forever.
God promised that his love and mercy would rest on David’s offspring (17:13). This applies to both Solomon and Jesus. As joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, we also receive God’s mercy.
Mercy is often defined as not receiving what we deserve. This doesn’t insinuate that God overlooks our sins. The Hebrew word for mercy (chesed) means more than kindness. It implies God’s faithfulness to his covenant and loyalty to his people. His mercy raises us out of our sin and fashions us into the people he wants us to be. We in turn show mercy to others. Can your life be characterized as one of mercy—both of kindness and commitment?
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
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