THE GREAT GATHERING. 1st Chronicles 28 The main point of the book of 1st Chronicles is now addressed in a great gathering of all the leaders of Israel. Reading about the arrangements made for the original temple would have impressed those who returned from Babylon with the importance of the work they were to do for the Lord. Recounting the origins of our beliefs and how they came into practice is a valuable way of passing on truth.
The four Gospels recount the life and teaching of the Person to whom we gather and are responsible. The book of Acts gives an overview of how it was first practiced in various cultures and how the work of the Lord spread. It also provides accounts of how multiple difficulties were faced and how problems were solved. The application of the truth of God in a wide variety of nations is written about in the church epistles, and how it is applied locally in the pastoral epistles. Cross-cultural teaching is given about how God's people testify to our Lord Jesus Christ in those first and second generations of assembly believers.
The Chronicles follow a similar pattern. The actual events are not described in detail in the Chronicles because the purpose was to motivate the present generation to do what God wanted in their day by using what they had. Gathering all the leaders was necessary so there would be no confusion or misunderstanding about what was being done.
Those involved in business would be called upon to do what was within their expertise for the common goal. Those engaged in agriculture, civil servants, and the military needed to know the objective clearly so that they would be part of the temple-building project in whatever way they could. Even though David was old, he was determined to pass on his enthusiasm for building the temple to others so they could catch his vision and assist his inexperienced son.
Experienced believers who know what God has done and still can do because He is unchanging, need to help younger Christians understand the value of spiritual things in a secular age. There is much more to life than survival. To spend all our energy on what we eat, drink, own, or use for our pleasure is very shallow living and does not satisfy the heart. Lofty goals give us a sense of real purpose in life and instill values that lift us above the mundane, to those things that are holy and lasting.
I envision in my mind's eye David struggling to his feet and standing in respect for those gathered, for the God he loves, and for the importance of the work he wishes to impress upon them. This was not a casual approach to significant work. Even though he was physically old and weak, he desired full participation. Therefore, he did not address them as subjects being instructed by their king. Instead, he speaks to them as "my brethren, my people." There was value in equality among each person, even if their callings and life roles differed. His ambition was to build a house for the Lord as a "footstool" for the Almighty God. Through his words, he was able to convey the importance of the project.
The ark is like a footstool for God’s feet as He connects with His people on earth. God had promised a future for the seed of David, and the transition of David’s reign to Solomon demonstrated that hope when the leader is “steadfast” to keep God’s commandments. The commandments revealed the holiness of God and the standard of righteousness He intends His people to follow.
The commandments of God governed social and religious life, including sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. Israel’s government began with Moses as the primary leader, and then Joshua replaced him as a military leader with a different style of government. After Joshua, God chose judges to deal with specific enemies, and lastly, God let them have a king because that was what they wanted. God established a monarchy with the king to rule as God’s servant.
Kings ruled, priests taught the law and officiated at the tabernacle and temple, prophets spoke for God to the people, and wise men gave practical guidance to the king and discipline of character to young people. All of these roles are found in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.
David had received plans from God the Spirit, so the project was significant. This was similar to how Moses received the plans for the construction of the tabernacle. God's promise was for Solomon to carry out the project, and it was necessary for all the national leaders to know. They would have grown serious, perhaps cautious and even afraid, when informed this was to be the "throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel." This was not merely a building project to impress people. The fact that God chose Solomon to be king was made clear to all the leadership.
The chronicler did not address the affair of Adonijah and the conflicts in David's family because it would have served no positive purpose regarding the building of a new temple. The returning Jews just needed to know that God was with them in their work, as He was with the building of the original temple.
However, the chronicler wanted the new start to be on a solid base so the people knew God gave the instructions for society and nationhood. The various kinds of leadership were plainly stated, and the responsibility was to pass on the decrees of the Lord from one generation to the next. Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, and Jeshua were given leadership roles in the renewal of the exiles, who were beginning to rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. Haggai and Zechariah were prophets sent to stir and counsel the leaders and the people.
The principles of gathering for the house of God are established today. We are not free to choose how we will do it to suit ourselves. Our focus is not on the style of the building in which we meet but on the "living stones" that make up the building. Saved people are the silver vessels redeemed by the blood of Christ. Gold reminds us of the divine nature of God displayed through the new nature of those who "walk with the Lord in the light of His word." Some are solid gold, while others have a gold overlay, but God alone knows the depth of our devotion, love, and commitment. We praise God for every sign of divine life we observe in His people when we are in fellowship in the house of God.
The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind every activity in which we are engaged. He is "near unto all that call upon Him out of a pure heart," but rejects those who forsake Him. How awesome is the thought that he knows every thought, action, word, and attitude I have! He has plans for me—I should have plans for ways to serve Him.
God chose David to be the head of a dynasty of leaders in Israel forever, but not to build the temple. David's role was not to outwardly display the physical glories of the temple to the "Ohh's and Ahh's!!" of men. That was what Solomon was chosen to fulfill. He was commissioned to complete the task despite the difficulties associated with such a great work. Solomon was chosen as a "son" of the Lord.
The narrative of the transfer of power from David to Solomon would show them what to do. They had to rise up and do what was needed to rebuild the city, the temple, and the nation. They were to do what they did for God and the people, and then each individual could begin a new life for themselves.
Understanding our calling and election regarding what we do and who we are enables us to face and work through difficult situations without resentment or self-pity. When we know our responsibilities, we can expect God to accompany us in that work because we have confidence that He entrusted it to us. David documented all that God wanted accomplished. We possess in writing everything we need to meet God's expectations effectively. Collaborating with God and fellowshipping with other believers transforms our work for the Lord into a joy and a privilege rather than a tedious task.
There was no hidden agenda in this work. David called leaders from all parts of the nation who represented the people, and he spoke openly, in sight of all who gathered there, about the objective of building the temple and who God had chosen to lead the project. In this way, there was no reason for anyone to misunderstand what was happening or what was expected of them. David spoke of God's plans for the nation of Israel and his descendants. He openly charged Solomon with fulfilling the work and clarified how the Lord views His work.
Cooperation and delegation in a project are neither complicated nor challenging to commit to if there is openness regarding the work and its purposes. Our greatest motivation to engage in work and persist until completion is that we have received this commission from God. The Lord makes His requirements clear, and His expectations are reasonable. When we understand what God wants and diligently carry out His commands, spiritual prosperity and continuity of the work will follow. It is our duty to know His word. The key to success in His work and happiness in our souls is to search His word and follow His guidance. When we are committed to a work and it progresses without shortcuts for selfish reasons, ensuring justice in accordance with His word, then we can rest in quiet confidence.
Ignoring or neglecting God's word and refusing to do His will results in the failure of the work in which we are involved. We must consistently follow through with that for which the Spirit of God has chosen us. Nothing can be hidden from God, who knows every thought and intention of our hearts. Following His guidance and not attempting to hide anything from Him allows us to live and labor joyfully.
Solomon may have been afraid of the weight of responsibility, so his father challenged him, knowing the pain of sin and the blessing of forgiveness, to have his own personal experiences with God. He had to commit himself to knowing God and serving Him with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Devotion to God makes working for Him a joy and gives real meaning to the effort it takes to continue in the work. Seeking God when in doubt will lead to Him finding us and making us aware of living in fellowship with Him. Our work for God comes from Him, and we should not forsake it or Him for any reason. When we have been given a task, "Do it!!"
There are times when we feel totally inadequate for the tasks we are called upon to accomplish. But when we know the pattern is from God, the materials we need will be supplied from His abundant storehouse through His omnipotent hand. He has chosen us to do this work, so we should move ahead confidently. Starting a task is often the most fearful part because we build on instructions. God has given us the pattern: "Go ye into all the world..." is His commission. So now it is up to us to begin—and do it.
The pattern of the temple was not easy to accomplish. The immensity of the job, the amount of material needed, and the labor required were astounding and daunting. David received divine communication, and Solomon received written communication. So, he was to be strong and courageous and get to work.
There are principles we live by and pass on to our children that are tried and true. We need to share these principles with the Lord's people so they will not feel afraid or discouraged. A person needs to know God personally so that when He provides guidance in life, we receive it personally from Him. By reading the scriptures (listening to our Father), we learn what His commands are and how to carry them out. Our hearts must be in the work. This is only possible if we love and appreciate our Lord and find our joy in bringing Him joy.
Our service to God should be carried out with a willing heart and mind, much like how we engage with an earthly father who teaches us to do things correctly. Once I have learned how to accomplish a task, I must remain consistent and faithful to it, despite challenges or opposition. Understanding God's will and following it should be enough to prevent discouragement. A work for God is indeed a significant undertaking, not merely a "situation." It is not about spending a leisurely day in the park, where we relax, play, and sleep, or only working when we feel like it.
We are not involved in building a temple for God to use as a footstool; rather, we are constructing a church that "the gates of hell" cannot overcome. The Head is in place, and the foundation is laid. Others have built on that foundation for generations. Now it is our turn to continue the same building project that Peter, James, John, Paul, and others have worked on throughout the years. It is our responsibility to do our part and to pass on to those who follow us the training and skills necessary for them to do their part after we are gone.
The words were spoken, but how can I know what was really said? How can I check what is genuinely right, rather than wishful thinking? The answer is simple yet profound – God had holy men of old write down His words. There is no mistaking what He meant; His intention is easily discernible when we read the Bible consistently, contextually, and with commitment.
He provided the blueprint for His house, the temple yet to be built, and the organization of service by those whom God appointed to serve. There was no ambiguity regarding His intentions. What to avoid and what to observe had to be executed according to the way He envisioned worship and service. He searches hearts and understands our thoughts; nothing is hidden from Him. The words are written so that I might follow His will without ambiguity. He expects me to move forward and claim the inheritance of the redeemed. Often, I hesitate when I encounter unseen or unexpected obstacles. But then I return to the writings; the scriptures of truth remain unchanged. When I examine them sincerely, the answer is right there, so clear that I cannot misinterpret the will of God.
The Lord God is right there to be found as the writing unfolds for me. The results He desires are attainable when I follow His guidance. When I seek and keep His commandments, reality is mine. The complicated things become understandable through what I find in His Word. A few requirements must be met for me to gain understanding. I need to seek all of His commandments and keep them to possess the land. For me, it isn't acres of fields, forests, or towns to own. Instead, it is a good land of a ripe harvest of souls who are looking for a place to rest.
To sit with the Lord's people and hear the worship and praise of those whom God saved is music of the highest order to my ears. Praise to God arises when I think of His great grace to all of us in His family. God has used these feeble hands and weakness to perfect His strength in spite of our feeble humanness. Souls are added to this inheritance that will come to light in the future when He “makes up His jewels.” The writing remains the same, though the seasons of man change. The commitment to obey what is written and do what is said remains as our privilege and obligation. I must commit myself to seek Him and not forsake Him ever, and trust Him to fulfill His written promise to bring blessing from any endeavor I might make.