God Doesn't Play Fair

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 7

Scripture Focus: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? (2 Samuel 7.18)

Devotional Thought: You've heard it before - when kids are playing - "Mom! He's not playing fair!" Have you ever considered how God doesn't "play fair"?

Think about what God did for David, who wanted to build a house for God in 2 Samuel 7:

· He took him out of the pasture and made him prince (v. 8).

· He went with David, cutting down David's enemies and making David's name great (v. 9).

· He appointed a place for David's people and gave them rest from their enemies (vv. 10-11).

· He built David a "house" and raised up offspring to establish David's throne and kingdom (vv. 11-13).

· He promised David that his steadfast love would not be withdrawn from David's offspring (v. 15).

What was David's response? Basically, "God, you don't play fair! I wanted to build you a house, instead you have promised to build one for me!" Instead of getting puffed up, David was humbled! "Who am I ... that you have brought me this far?" David recognized his modest origins and his own failures. He was overwhelmed that God would give him, of all people, such promises.

The tendency is, to get a little proud when we consider how God has blessed us. The reality is, however, that we are all of humble origins and do not deserve the goodness and kindness of God. If he gave us what we deserved, we would be lost. Honesty compels us to say, "God, you don't play fair! And, I'm so thankful!"

Is God not playing fair with you? Have you thanked him for it?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you don't "play fair." When I was nothing but a sinner, your Son died on the cross for me. When I was ignoring you, you spoke to me through your Spirit. When my mortal life has run its course, you have promised an eternal place "in my Father's house." Amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 102.1-11

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! 2 Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

3 For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. 4 My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh. 6 I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; 7 I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. 8 All the day my enemies taunt me; those who deride me use my name for a curse. 9 For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink, 10 because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down. 11 My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.