1 Chronicles 28

Scripture  1 Chronicles 28:20-21  20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”

 

Observation-What does it say? 

 

King David summoned all of Israel and explained that he had planned to build a Temple for the Lord. However, God told him that he had done enough work already, is getting up there in age and has shed so much blood for the cause of the Lord. Instead, the Temple will be built through the leadership of his son, King Solomon.  King David knew his son would be too young and inexperienced for the task, so he made sure everything was planned out and prepared for him before he handed off the task to him. (‘“David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.”’ -1 Chronicles 22:5)  I encourage you all to read 1 Chronicles 22 again, which is 6 chapters back, because God had already told King David that Solomon would do the job and David started prepping his son in that chapter.  He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’” 1 Chronicles 22:10 NIV

Understanding-What does it mean? God anoints and gives the directions, but it is our responsibility to work and plan to make sure it is completed successfully.  I love this chapter! It shows King David’s love for the Lord and his love and dedication to mentor his son for a big project that God had chosen Solomon to do instead. King David made sure everything was in place before He released his son to the task that the Lord had called him to. He did 4 things for his son before he handed off the job:

1. King David informed the officials, officers, commanders and warriors of Israel what God had told him regarding the building of the temple and that his son, Solomon would be overseeing the project, not him, per God’s direction. The purpose of this was so that the people would give his son the same respect and submission that they’ve given King David. (Verses 1-4)
2. King David encouraged the people to continue to follow God’s commands so that He would bless them and their descendants. (Verse 8)
3. He passed on the plans he had been working on, to his son. (Verses 11-19)
4. He gave encouragement to his son. He told him to do the work, be strong, be courageous, not to be afraid or discouraged, that God will not fail him or forsake him until the work is finished, and encouraged him that all his help is in place and they are ready to obey his every command. (Verses 20-21)

Life Application

Pray and ask the Lord who He would want you to take under your wing to train and disciple so that the work of God would continue successfully.

I recently finished a good leadership book called “Becoming a person of influence” by Pastor John C Maxwell and Jim Dornan. They said that the mark of a great leader is how they are able to empower others. “When you empower people, you’re not influencing just them; you’re influencing all the people they influence.”

God’s Word shows this in action in King David’s life. He was not only influential as King over Israel and empowered them to put God first, but also influential in empowering His son to take over God’s plans for the Temple.

Dear Lord, You have called us all to be leaders (aka influencers), whether we are leaders in our home, church or workplaces. You have also called us all to be ministers of Your Gospel message. If we are saved, we are already a couple steps ahead of someone who doesn’t KNOW You.  I pray that we would embrace our calling as influencers for Your Kingdom and live it out fully in our daily lives. Also, just like David encouraged his son, may we be strong and courageous, and do the work. May we not be afraid or discouraged knowing that You are with us and that You won’t fail or forsake us until the work is completed. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi

Related

John_16

Scripture

John 16:1, 33

1 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Observation-What does it say?                                      

John 16 continues Jesus’ farewell sermon to the disciples. He warns them of the troubles to come, what they can expect in His absence; but He also provides hope – letting them know “the Advocate” will come in His place, He would visit them again at His resurrection, that He will provide peace, that He is returning to his Father and, finally, that despite worldly troubles, they will have peace for He has overcome the world.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Beginnings and endings are powerful things. 

In this farewell discourse, Jesus begins and ends with hope and intention and encouragement.  He shares openly about what will come so His disciples will not be surprised, caught off guard and, ultimately, so “that [they] will not fall away.”  I think this shows God’s heart and consistency with us as His children.  Though we may go through ups and downs, He desires that we stay the course.

And then, as He ends His farewell, He reminds us again “you will have trouble;” but, along with those expected troubles, we are reminded of His strength, His peace and His victory.

Life Application

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son.  Thank you setting fair and honest expectations of our walk as Christ-followers…that, yes, there will be trouble.  But, in that trouble, we are never alone, never forsaken.  Thank you for encouraging us, for sending your Holy Spirit to us, for allowing us to feel your presence…that we may know your peace, we may experience your victory.  And, most of all, thank you for the cross that makes all of these things possible.

May we live victoriously, live peacefully, live honestly...in a way that refreshes the spirits of those around us.  Use us!  Give us opportunities to share your love and your Word with those around us today…so that many more may come to know your peace and victory! 

In your name, I pray.  Amen.

- Rei

John_15

Scripture

 

John 15:14-15

 

You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

In this chapter, Jesus is talking about the importance of relationship and staying connected with Him. He says if we don't stay connected, like any branch or flower cut from the vine, we will wither and die spiritually. But, if we stay connected, we will bear much fruit and we can ask anything and He will answer. How do we stay connected? I like how Matthew Henry describes it as, "... a dependence upon Christ and communion with him, habitually to adhere to him, and actually to derive supplies from him." I need the supplies only He can give: power, faith, love, grace, wisdom. And if that's not enough, there's more! Jesus goes on to say that if we follow His commands, if we press in and grow in relationship with Him, He calls us friend and allows us to know His business and to join with Him in accomplishing it. 

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Two definitions for friend: 1) one attached to another by affection or esteem, and 2) a favored companion. How amazing and humbling is that - that Jesus would call me His friend! The idea of being so connected to Jesus that He is my favored companion and He would view me with affection and esteem brings me to tears. 

 

Life Application

 

Jesus, thank you so much for Your love and Your patience with me. You ask me to adhere to You and in return You promise me great rewards. Help me to remember that only You are the source of my strength and without You I can do nothing. I want to grow closer to You, learn Your business, and be called Your friend. 

 

-Debbie Dunn