As the scripture in 2 Samuel continues, David did not get to build that house of cedar. Essentially I believe David’s heart was in the right place but his concept was wrong. Neither do we get to build the walls in which God’s spirit dwells, because it is suppose to dwell within us, so that where ever we go God’s presence goes with us. It is this kind of reconciliation that is God’s greater plan. As builders for God, we have a responsibility to build this house he has generously given, that being our life through Christ. Perhaps God may have believed that David was in danger of creating a physical structure, that in the end was more of a hindrance to his plan and God needed David to know and it is important for us to understand that God’s presence is not the structure. God’s presence is not the riches. God’s presence is our life in Christ. It is a life that loves God and loves neighbor as self. It is why we often say that church is not the building. Church is the people in order that the gospel is not restricted to one place and is made accessible to everyone. Otherwise we risk the walls we build becoming more important than the people they were intended to serve. Any “walls” that we build (internally or externally), God will surely cause to tumble when they prevent access to him.

I believe the good news for us today is that God understands that our journey will be challenging and much like Moses, David, the disciples and others; will be imperfect at times. However, I believe God is well pleased when we choose to remain on the journey and continue to maintain and reconcile the house that is the body of Christ.