Connect360: The Blessing of Unfulfilled Dreams

• Lesson 8 in the BaptistWay Press Connect360 unit “Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom” focuses on 2 Chronicles 6:1-11.

God was pleased that it was in David’s heart to give him the Temple, even though God did not allow David to build it himself. Because of the intentions of David’s heart, God promised his dream would be fulfilled, though not by David himself. God had a different role for David to play. That role was one of preparation and guidance.

As a man after God’s own heart, David also prepared the hearts of the people for his vision. He created the plans and made provisions for the Temple. Then he passed them on to his son Solomon, along with instructions for him and the people (1 Chronicles 28). David’s kingdom was that of a conqueror and planner. Solomon had been chosen to complete the dream.

It must have been disappointing for David to hear he needed to sacrifice completing his dream for it to be fulfilled. David’s heart’s desire was for God to have a home called by his name. For that to happen, David had to submit to God’s time and way. The dream was not about him, but about his Lord. The most important thing was that the Temple got built. It did not matter who built it. Having the vision only for someone else to accomplish it, may have been upsetting, but Solomon continued to give David the recognition, and God knew it was David’s dream. He played an important role and was commended for the plans of his heart.

David may not have been named as the king that built God’s Temple, but his name was by no means forgotten. He established a family of kings that led to the eternal reign of Jesus, the King of all Heaven and earth. In Luke 1:32-33, when the angel told Mary about Jesus’s birth, he said, “The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

God is faithful

After building for seven years, the Temple was complete (1 Kings 6:37-38). King Solomon blessed the people of Israel, then directed his blessing toward the Lord. He announced that God had not allowed David to build the house but had promised him it would be done by his son. Solomon blessed the Lord for being faithful to carry out his promise.

Solomon spoke that blessing in the presence of the people, so they would know God’s faithfulness. He wanted them to see that the promise had been made years before it was fulfilled. Sometimes the results take longer than we would like, so Solomon wanted the people to see God had followed through. He also pointed out how it was spoken to the father but fulfilled in the son. Later, if any of them ever became impatient or doubtful, they could remember the fulfillment of the Temple promise, and have hope and faith in the Lord.

Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for BaptistWay Press.

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