1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19
I love just about everything in today's OT reading.
1 Chronicles comes to a close, and we're left with so much enthusiasm and
promise and hope.
Here are my highlights:
- David called everyone, all the leaders, to come to Jerusalem - and they all come (1 Ch. 28:1).
- David exhorted the congregation 'before God and these witnesses' (see vs. 8) to continue in faithful obedience.
- David's charge to Solomon (vs. 9): Could there be a better prayer for a son?
- I love how much work and effort David put into preparing for the temple. He did as much as was possible - plans, logistics, amounts (vs. 11-18) - and then funded it himself (29:2-5). He may have been prevented from the physical construction, but he did every bit of groundwork that could be done, and he clearly did it with joy and extravagance.
- Then he issued a call to action for the rest of the community as well! "Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?" (29:5). What a charismatic leader David was.
- And they responded. 1 Chronicles 29:6-8 shows the willing and generous response of the leaders. I love to give to God's work, and this kind of reaction just thrills me.
- David was overwhelmed with joy and burst into praise (vs. 10-13). He could find no other way to express his satisfaction and delight than to extol God with all "the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor" (vs. 11) he deserved. He knew his own unworthiness before the Lord (vs. 14-15) and he knew that the abundance for the temple "comes from [God's] hand, and all of it belongs to [him]" (vs. 16). David attributed everything to its proper place; that is, everything goes to God: honor, praise, physical wealth, credit.
- Lastly, what a final word to leave with David. "He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor" (vs. 28). A goal I would be well-satisfied to achieve myself!
There's so much in the tales of the kings of Israel that can discourage or frustrate. How lovely to have a section of reading that shows the people of God and their leaders responding rightly to their true King. They knew God was good, and we're reminded of the same when we encounter this narrative.
Here are my highlights:
- David called everyone, all the leaders, to come to Jerusalem - and they all come (1 Ch. 28:1).
- David exhorted the congregation 'before God and these witnesses' (see vs. 8) to continue in faithful obedience.
- David's charge to Solomon (vs. 9): Could there be a better prayer for a son?
- I love how much work and effort David put into preparing for the temple. He did as much as was possible - plans, logistics, amounts (vs. 11-18) - and then funded it himself (29:2-5). He may have been prevented from the physical construction, but he did every bit of groundwork that could be done, and he clearly did it with joy and extravagance.
- Then he issued a call to action for the rest of the community as well! "Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?" (29:5). What a charismatic leader David was.
- And they responded. 1 Chronicles 29:6-8 shows the willing and generous response of the leaders. I love to give to God's work, and this kind of reaction just thrills me.
- David was overwhelmed with joy and burst into praise (vs. 10-13). He could find no other way to express his satisfaction and delight than to extol God with all "the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor" (vs. 11) he deserved. He knew his own unworthiness before the Lord (vs. 14-15) and he knew that the abundance for the temple "comes from [God's] hand, and all of it belongs to [him]" (vs. 16). David attributed everything to its proper place; that is, everything goes to God: honor, praise, physical wealth, credit.
- Lastly, what a final word to leave with David. "He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor" (vs. 28). A goal I would be well-satisfied to achieve myself!
There's so much in the tales of the kings of Israel that can discourage or frustrate. How lovely to have a section of reading that shows the people of God and their leaders responding rightly to their true King. They knew God was good, and we're reminded of the same when we encounter this narrative.
- Sarah Marsh
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