The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), May 4
Death's approach has a way of prompting men to ponder their legacies. David fulfills his legacy by giving sacrificially to the LORD's house, preparing the Levites for their future, and by giving wise counsel to his son. He gives his wealth "because I have set my affection on the house of my God" (1 Chron. 29:3), a gift that motivates Israel's leaders also to give joyfully and sacrificially to the LORD. His greater gift, however, is wise counsel from the Spirit for his son's reign. David's twofold counsel to his son Solomon reveals key truths that fathers must understand for themselves and pass on to their sons:
- You were made to know God: "As you for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever" (28:9). Knowing God involves accountability--understanding that nothing is hidden from God-and spiritual hunger, for God doesn't give Himself away to the casual seeker, but to the one who seeks Him above all else.
- You were made to accomplish God's purpose for your life: "And David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God--my God--will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD'" (28:20). Solomon's happiest years are those during which he honors God by building the temple and writing the Proverbs. As long as he seeks the LORD, he prospers in his personal life and in his kingdom. He fulfills the purposes for which he has been raised up by God. When he turns from these purposes and lets his heart drift away, his life mirrors the vanity that he describes in the book of Ecclesiastes. At the end of Solomon's life, he contemplates his works and confesses the vanity of those projects to which he has devoted the majority of his attention.
What David commanded Solomon holds true for every person today. The great quest of this life is to know God and to fulfill His purposes. Everything else is vanity and chasing after the wind.
Questions from today's chronological Bible reading (1 Chronicles 26:1-28:21):
How has the LORD uniquely prepared David to plan for the temple's building? How will David's plans facilitate Solomon's building of the temple?
What will Solomon's completion of the temple building require of him?