Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life… The first word suggests an important thought — Singleness of aim. Men of one idea — specialists. One man weighs so little versus the community, the State, the race, that his whole force and influence are needed in one place to accomplish anything. The rifle-ball has greater penetrating power than shot, not simply because it is larger, but because the force of powder is concentrated on the one projectile. So the men who have penetrated society with their ideas and made a lasting impression. David illustrates this law. He had — I. A MASTER-PASSION. He was a shepherd boy, yet could say, "One thing," etc. A soldier, renowned; a ruler, with great power; a poet, with great celebrity; a father, full of affection; amid all the changes of his varied fortune, "one thing" was the master-passion of his life. II. ITS OBJECT. 1. "That I may dwell in the house of the Lord," etc. Habitual church-going and fellowship with God: "Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest" (Psalm 65:4). 2. "To behold the beauty of the Lord." Sanctuary, a place for the manifestation of God and for the education of the soul. David wished to appreciate the beauty of the divine character. This required a development of his capacity, a spiritualizing of all his faculties. "God is a Spirit": spiritual things are spiritually discussed. David wished an intimate knowledge of God. Men travel thousands of miles to look upon the beauties of ancient art. These must fade. The "beauty of the Lord" is eternal. 3. "To inquire in His temple." David came to God's house as a learner, an inquirer, sincerely desiring to appropriate to his own heart and life the spirit and excellence, the beauty and worth of Him who condescended to dwell with men and be their God. III. THE RESULT. 1. A literary immortality. 2. The divine approval. "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart." Earth affords no such commendation, no such sweet and lasting reward. For this divine approval brought — 3. Present security (Psalm 27:5), and eternal well-being (Psalm 23:6). Make David's master-passion your own. (J. C. Allen.) Parallel Verses KJV: One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. |
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