In the timeless narrative of King David, we discover not only a valiant ruler and warrior but also a man profoundly driven by an ache in his soul. This ache was no ordinary yearning; it was a passionate desire to see God’s presence dwell among His people. David’s story is a poignant reminder that our spiritual journey often involves a deep longing for something greater.
A Heart Set Apart
King David’s life was marked by his unique role as both a king and a priestly figure. Despite his kingly duties and military leadership, David lived as a man with priestly qualities. In Psalm 27:4, he penned the words that encapsulate his deepest longing: “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.”
This verse unveils the essence of David’s ache—a relentless yearning to be in the presence of God, to bask in the splendor of His beauty, and to seek His wisdom. David’s example emphasizes that priestliness is not limited to those with vocational roles; it’s a calling for anyone who seeks communion with the Divine.
A Lifelong Pursuit
David’s ache wasn’t fleeting; it was the foundation of his life. His passion was fueled by a desire to see God’s dwelling place transcend the limitations of the existing tabernacle. He understood that the tabernacle, while a starting point, was not the final destination. God had grander plans for His dwelling place, and David’s ache mirrored God’s own unfulfilled desire.
Today, after nearly 3,000 years, God’s yearning remains unmet. Do we share in David’s ache? Are we in tune with God’s desire for deeper communion with His people?
One of the most pressing challenges in the contemporary church is our pursuit of personal satisfaction while God’s ultimate desire remains unrealized. We appear content with the status quo, seemingly indifferent to the ache for God’s presence that drove David throughout his life. We claim to believe in the return of Jesus, but our actions and desires often tell a different story. We need to cultivate a longing and an ache for Jesus to return and fulfill His ultimate purpose.
A Passion to Provoke
David lived with a fervent yearning for God’s presence, even before Jesus’s incarnation and suffering. How much more should we long for God to receive His inheritance in our age? Regrettably, many within the church seem content with Jesus’ absence, and this indifference threatens our ability to be a compelling witness to the world.
If Jesus truly represents the deepest desire of our hearts, our lives should mirror that longing, stirring others to yearn for Him as well. We must ask ourselves how much we genuinely love Jesus if we remain complacent in His absence.
David’s ache, which mirrored God’s own longing, remains unfulfilled. However, Revelation 21:3 offers a glimmer of hope: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
The church, as a collective body, is called to embrace David’s ache, living a life that offers the world a glimpse of what will come when God’s desire is fulfilled.
A Legacy of Longing
David’s yearning was not in vain; it influenced the New Testament apostles, shaping the pattern of the early church. David’s “tabernacle” concept was foundational to the idea of God dwelling among His people. As followers of Christ, we should consider the impact of David’s passion on our own lives.
David’s ache intersected with his desire, as he sought to “dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of [his] life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). His dedication to beholding God’s beauty and seeking His wisdom is a model of true discipleship.
In our pursuit of God, we should also long to behold His beauty, gain wisdom from His word, and live in accordance with His teachings. This is the essence of worship and discipleship, a pattern set by David’s unwavering passion for God.
A Glimpse of the Future
David’s worship sanctuary, known as “David’s tabernacle,” was a profound expression of his desire for God’s presence. It was more than a replica of the original tabernacle; it represented a prophetic forecast of how God intended to dwell among His people. David’s vision was to establish God as the King of the nation, with the people gathered around the Divine Presence.
As we look to the future, we can anticipate a day when God’s presence will be fully reclaimed by Israel, with both Jews and Gentiles drawn into the worship of the one true God. David’s vision of reconciliation and worship among diverse people is a glimpse of the unity that will be realized in the presence of the Lord.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ache
David’s passion for God’s dwelling place was not confined to his time; it serves as an inspiration for us to cultivate a similar ache. We, too, can play a part in God’s plan to provoke a return to David’s yearning for His presence.
In conclusion, David’s ache and passion for God’s dwelling place remain a timeless example of a heart wholly devoted to the Lord. As we strive to live out our faith, may we also seek to cultivate a longing for God’s presence and a desire to behold His beauty. In doing so, we can play a vital role in fulfilling God’s ultimate desire for His dwelling place among His people. Let us embrace David’s ache and be a testimony of longing and dissatisfaction in a world that often settles for less than God’s best.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
