Friday, March 8, 2013

HEART AND SOUL



1 Chronicles 22

            In 1 Chronicles 22 King David makes preparations for the building of the temple in Jerusalem.  God has told him that he would not be the one to build the temple because he has been a warrior and shed a great deal of blood.  But God also promised that David would have a son, Solomon, who would be the one to build the temple.  David said, “…the house to be built for the LORD should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations” (v. 5).  David understood that the temple would be a place for all nations.  Even before it was built the nations are in the mind of God.  It was always God’s purpose that all peoples would come and worship him, not just the Jews.  And whatever was to be built for Jehovah’s name should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor because it speaks for the character and deeds of God.

            Then in verses 11-13 David advises his son.  “May the LORD be with you…May the LORD give you discretion and understanding…so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.”  The task of building a house for Jehovah is too great for a man to do in his own strength.  He needs the Lord to be with him.  He needs wisdom and knowledge that comes from God.  He needs to walk with God, keeping his commandments, in order to do the kind of work that will bring glory to God.  David prays for Solomon that God would grant his son these things.

            In verse 18 David speaks to the leaders of Israel who would outlive him; the men who would work for Solomon as he built the temple.  David encourages them.  He assures them that God will keep his word.  He points out to them that he has been faithful to Israel.  “Is not the LORD your God with you?  And has he not granted you rest on every side?  For he has handed the inhabitants of the land over to me, and the land is subject to the LORD and to his people.”  David wants them to know for certain that they are not alone.  They are not attempting this great work in their own strength.  God is with them!

            Finally, verse 19.  What is needful to do the work?  “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.”  If the work is to be done in a way that it will speak of the fame and splendor of Jehovah God, then those who do the work must be devoted heart and soul to seeking his face!

            Last week our second son, Caleb, was engaged to be married.  He is about to launch into building a new relationship and a new family.  The leaders of New Hope are working to build a congregation of faith here in Shafter.  I am working to build up the people of New Hope in their faith.  What are you building?  Are you students building a future?  Are you young and building a family?  Are you a grandfather building a legacy?  Whatever it is that we are building, if it is to last it must be built to speak of the magnificence, fame, and splendor of Jehovah our God!  Whatever we are building, it can only be built to the glory of God if we are devoted heart and soul to seeking the face of God.  This cannot be a Sunday activity.  It is a daily, hourly, minute by minute lifestyle.  Before the face of God.  Coram Deo.

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