Posts Tagged ‘1st Chronicles 22-27’
Scripture reading for April 21st: 1st Chronicles 22-27
King David had it in his heart to build a house for the Lord. As King David approached the end of his time on earth, he sent for his son Solomon and commissioned him to build the house for the Lord. David had begun preparations for this house but a word from the Lord had stopped him from building it. Because David had been a man of war and had fought many battles costing many lives, God told him not to build His house. (1st Chronicles 22:8)
God told David that He would use his son Solomon to build the temple. Solomon would be a man of peace. God would grant him rest and peace with all his enemies. Israel would enjoy a reign of peace and during this time, Solomon could build the temple. Solomon would become a “son of God” and God would be his Father and establish his throne over Israel forever. (1st Chronicles 22:9-10)
David blessed his son and encouraged him to be strong and full of courage. He assured him of the great financial resources that he had provided for the temple. He also encouraged the people to support Solomon in the work. Best of all, David prayed that the Lord would be with Solomon in this undertaking. That help would make all the difference in the world!
As we reflect on this portion of Israel’s history, we can see definite parallels to the work of Jesus Christ in building God’s temple. Jesus Christ was a man of peace–”the Prince of Peace”. Jesus called people to come to Him and find rest for their souls. Jesus Christ defeated all of our enemies, even death, to provide this rest! God was Christ’s “Father” and Jesus was God’s “Son”! God established Jesus’ throne and kingdom forever! Jesus had success because he fully obeyed God’s commands and laws and was strong and courageous. God provided Jesus with many “brothers and sisters” as helpers in building the true temple. Jesus Christ would build the temple and the gates of hell would not prevail against Him!
This ancient record contains prophesy that is already fulfilled and also prophesy that will be fulfilled in the millennial reign of peace when Jesus takes the throne in Jerusalem and rules over a thousand years of peace! (Revelation 20:4-6) Praise the Lord for the Prince of Peace!
Scripture reading for April 21: 1st Chronicles 22-27
As I have attended and worked in different church families, one of the things that is often done poorly is the transition of leadership. Often the pastor resigns or sometimes is forced to leave because of some problem. No preparation or thinking has been done by the deacons or core leadership of the church and a crisis is at hand. People have different ideas and pastors are invited to come share their ministry and it becomes a popularity contest. It sometimes divides the church and there is great turmoil. Many people forget that God is a God of order and He has a plan of succession and a plan for success! We see such a plan in action in today’s reading!
David was old and “full of years”. (1st Chronicles 23:1) He made Solomon king over Israel. David’s son Adonijah had tried to make himself king and Bathsheba and Nathan worked together to redirect the situation according to the will of the Lord. (1st Kings 1:1-5) There was a power struggle here as well. People often want to be in charge and often seek to take power or to control the one who is in power. It is one of the strategies of Satan to bring division and confusion in a family, church, or nation. After installing Solomon, David wisely tried to help his son succeed in the tasks that he knew were important. One of these was the building of the temple for the Lord.
First David encouraged Solomon that it was God’s will that he build the Lord’s house. David had heard from the Lord! He knew the will of God and passed this on to Solomon. He was positive and encouraging and prayed for God’s wisdom and discretion that his son might keep the Law of God and have success! A father’s blessing and God’s blessing go a long way toward success! (1st Chronicles 22:11-13)
Next, David assembled materials for the Temple. He generously provided from his own treasury for God’s house! He set a good example for his son and the nation of generosity and focus on what was important. When God’s house was cared for, God would bless and the people would be focused on what should be central. (1st Chronicles 22:14-16)
The last thing David did was to gather the key leaders of Israel together and encourage them to support Solomon. David cited the Lord’s victories and how God had given the people rest. He encouraged the leaders to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul and to begin building. This transition would continue the vision of the Lord through David and insure the accomplishment of God’s will and purposes. (1st Chronicles 22:17-19)
I believe God wants thoughtful and peaceful transition of leadership. Pray for your family, church family and nation for the leaders and those in authority that they would be thoughtful and purposeful in this area. God’s purposes are eternal! We should keep them in focus!