Today we read of King David’s reaction to the special message from God through Nathan the prophet. David explained his desire to build a house (the Temple) for God to dwell in so that God’s presence would be there. On hearing this Nathan originally told David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you” (1 Chronicles 17:2). But God sends Nathan back to David with a new and remarkable message.

David is not to build God a Temple, but “the LORD will build you a house” (verse 10) meaning a ‘house’ in the sense of a line of descent, like the Queen is of ‘the house of Windsor’. God’s message is about David’s immediate son Solomon, but also about a much greater son “… 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 … I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever …” (verses 12-14).

David’s reaction is to exclaim, “Who am I?” He is totally humbled and overwhelmed by this revelation of the ultimate future God had revealed. In humility David says, “What is my house” you have “spoken of your servants house for a great while to come …” (verse 17). He prayerfully says, “and now, O LORD, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as you have spoken, that your name (reputation) will be established and magnified forever …” (verses 23,24).

Jesus is often referred to as “the son of David” and will one day sit on David’s throne. The angel said this to Mary (Luke 1:32). We should reflect on David’s exclamation “Who am I”? As David was overwhelmed by the prophecy, we should also say “Who am I?” to have the prospect of the kingdom before us. As Jesus said, “The one who conquers and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations …” (Revelation 2:26).

What an awesome challenge when Christ is reigning and “he shall judge between the nations, and decide disputes for many peoples” (Isaiah 2:4). ‘Who am I’ we ask ourselves – to be part of this great work.