On July 22nd, I offered a sermon based off of the text from 2 Samuel. There is so much to consider in the story of David, but I was intrigued by this particular passage. King David, before the beginning of his downfall (marked by his first glimpse of Bathsheba) can do no wrong. God has blessed him with popularity, military might and divine support. But when David suggests that he build a temple for God, the answer he receives is a firm ‘no.’ Perhaps this story founds its way into the Bible to suggest, retrospectively, why Solomon built the Temple and not David. But the message that rings so true cannot be contained by historical fidelity. God is the builder. And we are the stones.

If I’ve piqued your interest, read or listen:
Extreme Home Makeover, preached July 22nd, 2012, by the Rev. Sarah McCaslin