Houseless, And Liking It That Way

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

I find today's passage very interesting, especially after recent conversations with our youth group in church.

We've been discussing how to prepare the way for the coming of Christ into our lives and the lives of those around us. It's been an interesting journey, with the outcome of our conversations so far recognizing that to bring the things which would spread hope, joy, and peace we sometimes have to step outside our comfort zone.

Take for instance this example: one of the suggestions we had was to bond with those who may not have anyone to spend the holidays with. It was suggested that we partner with groups like Meals On Wheels to not only deliver food to the home-bound, but to also spend a few moments with them to let them know people care. Doing such a thing would mean that we would have to sacrifice our time and energy which might otherwise be spent with family or friends during this time of year.

But, you know, living outside his comfort zone, and enjoying it there, is exactly what God shows us by his own actions.

King David finally has some time to rest from everything that's been going on around him. After all, battles with neighboring rulers, settling the Hebrew people into a new land, and building a palace takes a lot out of a person. While he takes a moment to reflect on his life, David notices that while he lives in a mighty palace built of the finest wood available in their region, God lives in a tent.

"Well," says David, "that just won't do."


That night, the prophet Nathan, who is also a good friend to David, has a vision in which God says, "Tell that silly king I don't need a home, I'm quite comfortable where I am. In fact, tell him that instead of making me a fancy shmancy place to live I will make him the greatest leader of all time. While I'm at it I'll also make a really good place for the people to live. That'll show him who's boss."

Okay, maybe I paraphrased a little, but you get the message. God didn't need comforts, God only wanted to keep giving to David and the Hebrew people the things which would continue to bring them peace and joy. God only wanted to continue to bring to realization the hope of life abundant to his people. God's only mission was, and still is, to love so abundantly that we, his children, should never want for anything.

It's through God's example that we should learn to live for others, and not so much for ourselves. So, this holiday season (yes, I use holiday as an all-inclusive term for this time of year) stop for a moment to simply enjoy that which you already have, and as much as it is within you, step outside your comfort zone and give abundantly to someone else's life.