Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
I couldn’t get over the abundance of wealth spoken of in this passage. I suppose I don’t always picture the Bible times as wealthy times because of cinematic depictions showing open air markets and adobe hut-like homes. But there were also palaces and places of great beauty. Much like present day Haiti where you find the extremes of poverty and wealth.
David’s kingdom and the surrounding areas had clearly been blessed with an abundance of precious stones and metals. From the sounds of it, generosity was also prevalent. That was my big take-away. The people gave willingly and joyfully.
Did it surprise you that King David tapped into his own private stash of wealth, giving it all because of his devotion to the Lord’s temple? David’s actions set a precedent and encouraged others to offer their support. He even said, “Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the Lord today?” David was doing all he could to help his young son succeed.
Let’s focus for the moment on this charitable response and how the people were rewarded for their giving. Verse 9 says, “The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy.” When we give wholeheartedly to the Lord, we, too, can be filled with joy and rejoice. That is quite a reward, don’t you agree?
In the old days, before I was following Jesus, I would have held tightly to my money. Any offering or gift I made to the church or other charity would have left me feeling choked and afraid I had given too much. I would immediately start fretting about all the bills I had to pay. That’s before I knew that trusting God was the better way. The joy of giving helped ease any worry.
We can’t forget God’s promise in Malachi 3:10, which I’ve seen play out time and time again. That verse reads, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” There is always enough when we trust God with our finances and give freely.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are best giver of all. You sent Jesus into this world to rescue us from sin and show us the way of salvation. I am overflowing with gratitude for all that you provide me each day to sustain me and draw me closer to you. Forgive me for getting anxious about my finances. I know that joy that comes from giving back to you what is already yours. Help me to be a better giver. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
