1st Chronicles 29 SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSION, GIVING THANKS In my mind's eye, I saw David, the sick old man who was near death's door, rally with enthusiasm and vigor to that which was closest to his heart. The great culminating event of his lifetime was the privilege of gathering that which would bring glory to God. His affection and devotion were centered on the Lord God of Israel. He had experienced a lot in his seventy years, but of all the events in which he was involved, this was the greatest. There was going to be built a house for "the holy name of the Lord God of Israel." The abundance of material collected was there ready to be used. The land on which the temple was to be built was purchased and ready. He had done all he could and was allowed to do, and now it was time for him to die so the actual building of the temple could begin.
There is a timetable of events in all of our lives. When a believer is conscious of the presence of the Lord with him or her, life is purposeful and even the small things that happen to us have a spiritual meaning. An extra good harvest, an unexpected bonus, an opportunity to meet someone's need and similar events in our lives assure us of a divine purpose for us. When the way opens up before us and divine guidance is given, then we can move forward in faith to fulfill that work God has for us.
David had been a poor man who became wealthy. He had been handsome in his younger years, and now was weak and cold as an old man. He had killed Goliath, led a victorious army and established a workable kingdom in previous years, and now was not even able to care for himself. But he knew that of all the things he had accomplished, this task of preparation for a "house to the name of the Lord" was the most important single work he would do. This was entirely for God. Other things had happened for his benefit and for the benefit of the nation of God's people. This was for God alone. Generations of Israelis would find blessing at the house of the Lord. To that end David gave all his resources and personal treasure. His personal fortune was freely given.
Example is a great motivator when it comes to using our influence wisely. It provides incentive for others when our devotion and affection for our Lord Jesus Christ is obvious. Others often catch a vision from someone else that soon becomes their own. The faithful commitment of one person challenges others to look at the reason for such commitment and then they can see what they had never understood before. An act of faith, an attitude of grace, words of appreciation, a timely gift are all ways people learn from others that which should be important to them. The tasks associated with living for God in a godless age are hard and many. The commission under which we live and work is great. But when God's people are able to see consistency, commitment and faithful service in spiritual things, then they are inclined to participate in those things themselves.
David knew his son Solomon, would need all the help he could get to build the temple. He knew God had chosen Solomon to be king and to fulfill a work that was not usually given to a young inexperienced man. Yet God knew who He had chosen and why. It would take divine guidance and experienced people to build the temple because "the work was great." David's affection for God and God's people was not a hidden thing. His faith and devotion were open for everyone to see. His son was for the most part unknown. When we know someone has a great task to fulfill and it is more than they can handle, it is only right that we move alongside and lend our weight, our strength and our guidance for their benefit and the accomplishment of their work. When it is completed, don't try to take some of the credit. One businessman well said to his salesman, "Never mind who gets the credit as long as the firm shows a profit." That principle should characterize all of our work for the Lord.
David's gifts were freely and gladly given. David's joy was that of a "hilarious giver" and when he gave of his abundance, others were led to give. He was joyful when in the great meeting of the leaders and people he got their commitment to be a help to Solomon. This led to David's psalm of praise to God for who He is, what He is like, His character and His glory. "Supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks" to God for all men is an essential part of our own joy and fellowship with God. Praise to God is always in order as we count our blessings and seek the blessing of others. This praise led right into David's prayer of intercession for the people and for Solomon.
Effective communication with God keeps us with a right perspective about ourselves. We then acknowledge the fact that everything we have comes from God, and we owe everything to Him. All of the abundance we have, whether it be food, raiment, shelter or wealth - it all comes from the "fullness of the Lord." In prayer we understand the need of others. "A perfect heart" or "whole-hearted devotion" actually has its source in God when we appreciate Him for who He is. Our preservation of life itself depends on God, and the preparation of our heart to accomplish a work for God comes from God in the first place. Everything: life, health, wealth, the necessities for survival - all come from the One who created it and sustains it "by the word of His power."
The influence of a trusted leader no matter how old he is, is not lost when his sincerity, his devotion, his faith and his joy is obvious. When David gave all he had of resources and personal treasure, the leaders of the people and those who followed them gave whole-heartedly of what they had. Not everyone is able to give the same amount or the same things. Some who support "the house of God" give money. Others give their time and skills. When it is all put together, people and treasure, the work of God is able to go forward. Then all the people bowed in worship and reverence because of the impact of David's leadership. The practice and principle of giving is the same today.
Reverence and respect for the Lord involves true humility that is able to be expressed physically by the bowing of the knees and head, but more importantly, by the bowing of one's heart. Respect and honor given to our Lord is often evident by the tone of voice, not just a quiet voice but gladness and joy with dignity and sincerity. One who leads God's people audibly in prayer has the privilege and responsibility to say in words, on behalf of all the saints, what is appropriate to the need. They put into words the mind of the people and the will of God.
The young inexperienced son of David, Solomon, was identified by David as God's chosen leader of the nation. The people accepted that choice and he sat down on David's throne. The negative family dynamics was not mentioned, just the positive side of the event as it pertained to the need of the moment and the building of the temple. He "prospered" and the nation of Israel obeyed him as their new leader who the Lord had highly exalted. From the Lord came a splendor and "royal majesty" that had not been seen before nor since. The Jews who returned to the land of their fathers came to a poverty-stricken area and the ruins of what had once been a great nation. They were given a written glimpse into their past to be reminded of what their heritage was, and why the work ahead of them was so important.
Lists of names and details of some events in 1st Chronicles served to motivate them and move them to action and labor for the Lord. The establishing of temple worship was vital to their unity. It was important that their history was received and understood in order that their chapter in history would become significant to them. A knowledge of our spiritual heritage helps us to maintain a good relationship with God even though things are deteriorating around us. The example of David as a man after God's own heart would make their own relationship with God of great significance to them. After all, he had his "day and generation" to serve, and now they had theirs. It is very important that we stay close to God through prayer and the reading of God's word so that our communication with Him is right and meaningful.
David had been threatened with death many times in his life. The lion and the bear who came after his sheep when he was a shepherd did not move him from fulfilling his obligation to protect the sheep. Goliath could say what he wanted, but David knew God would deliver the nation through him. His own father-in-law pursued him as a criminal but to no avail. Armies and enemies all failed to defeat this man who had been both an outlaw and a hero. But there is no escaping "the preacher of the old school" because "death has passed upon all men, for all have sinned." In old age David had not lost his sense of humility before God. His wealth and honor had not gone to his head and were of far less importance to his devotion and love for God. In spite of, and apart of his past failures, he is a man for us to emulate and follow as one who knew how to truly worship, praise and pray. His devotion and verbal expressions in the psalms are for our learning and admonition, our comfort and exhortation.