First Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Theme: Our house-plans versus God’s house-plans

Exegetical Note
David’s plan here is very well-intentioned and commendable: to build a very tangible "house" (i.e., temple) for the ark of the covenant. But Nathan, though initially approving the idea, has a dream in which God speaks, declaring that the real need for a "house" lies with David, but of a more spiritual kind (i.e. a royal lineage), which God promises to build for David. The incident is a reminder of how God tends to value spiritual structures over brick and stone (or even cedar).

Call to Worship
Leader: We are a people who love to plan ahead, especially in our religious lives.
People: WE ARE A PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO BUILD THINGS, ESPECIALLY HOUSES AND CHURCHES.
Leader: But ours is a God whose values …