Read 1 Chronicles 28:1-21
David was certainly displaying transparent leadership at this moment. He made sure everyone was there for his big speech. The “LORD’s assembly” it was called. Much of what David said was for Solomon’s benefit. As the next king, Solomon was charged by God with building the temple David had only dreamed of. By being transparent with Solomon and the rest of the leaders, David was also setting up accountability for Solomon’s reign. By having the kingdom’s leaders present, they would be informed and ready for what would happen next. Brilliant!
Why is being transparent a good idea for those in leadership? Such actions alleviate any question about what is going to happen and who does what. This transparency is a great example of “direct leadership” when clear instructions are given. People respond when being led in a direct manner.
David had received much from God over the years of his reign. Not only had God been by his side for many battle victories, but God had also given David the desire and the plan for building the temple. Even though David wasn’t the one God chose to build the temple, God still shared all the organization and planning steps to make it possible. That’s why it seems David had thought of everything. He was being coached by the LORD.
David not only gives Solomon lists and plans but encourages him with words. I found myself wanting to take that wisdom for myself, too. David said, “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”
The truth of these words still applies to us today. God wants to know each of us intimately. Even David knew that. Just reading the psalms David wrote, we can see how his gentle heart was truly devoted to seeking God. When we serve God with our whole heart and not just with the leftovers, the richness of the relationship grows. When we know God and trust his word, why would we ever want to believe in the lies of the world again?
God knows everything. David understood that, too. Plenty of people don’t trust God or even care about what he thinks or knows. Obviously. Look at what is happening in our world! Sin has always been part of mankind’s existence. If something separates us from God, that’s sin. We are separated from God each time we sin.
For those of us who know Jesus, we know he paid the price for our sins. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop us from sinning. It’s like we can’t help it. But I believe when we can control our sinful tendencies, the more pleased God is. I like putting a smile on God’s face. But do we ever take what Jesus’ did on the cross for granted? Or do we acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice was our most precious gift?
David wanted his son Solomon to be faithful like he had been. In 2 Chronicles, we’ll be walking through what Solomon’s reign looked like. We also know Solomon authored the Song of Songs and the book of Proverbs.
For today, spend time drawing closer to God. Spend some extended quiet time in his presence.
Let’s pray. Father God, draw me close to yourself and comfort me. It’s hard to see how things are going in this world, feeling more and more alien to what I see. Grow my faith each day so I can resist the sins and temptations that face me. Deliver me from evil, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
