Read 1 Chronicles 22:1-19
Turns out the threshing floor location David purchased for his sacrifice in our last reading will become the eventual building site for the temple. Isn’t it great to see how God works behind the scenes to make things happen? God can and will use our mistakes, brokenness, and sinful decisions for good, turning them into something beautiful.
With this chapter, we are beginning the wind down of David’s reign as he prepares his successor, son Solomon. The material in this closing section of 1 Chronicles is unique to this book. We don’t have any parallel story lines from other Biblical passages. Today we see how David aids Solomon for what God will be doing in his life. Isn’t that what any good father would do, prepare their child for the future?
What a speech David gave Solomon! What do you think was going through Solomon’s mind as his father laid out these plans and expectations? We’re not told “how” young Solomon actually was when David shared God’s plans with him. I found myself wishing someone had given me such advice as a young woman starting out so I’d know what God had planned for my life.
In this moment, Solomon was clear on the mission and purpose God had for him. Solomon’s reign would look a lot different than David’s. Why? Because God was going to make sure Solomon was a “man of peace.” During Solomon’s reign, it sounds like there will be no war. That had to have sounded foreign to David since he had spent his life battling one foe or another, all the way back to Goliath!
God had chosen David’s son, Solomon to be the builder of God’s temple. It’s a job David wanted, but knowing his offspring would be the one to accomplish his dream must have left David feeling proud and satisfied. It’s always great to see our kids succeed in life.
David ends his speech to Solomon with a blessing. Blessings were a big deal in that day and age. They happen when someone calls for God’s favor or divine protection upon another. You may recall two twin brothers, Jacob and Esau, and how they were in competition for their father Isaac’s blessing in Genesis 27.
Now Solomon had a glimpse into his future. David had done his best to set Solomon up for success. He did this by making sure Solomon had ample supplies to get the building project started. It had always been David’s dream to make a “magnificent structure” for God’s presence among the people. By collecting all these materials before he died, David was able to feel like he was part of the project, even though Solomon would lead the project.
David not only gave his son a blessing and provided building materials, but he assured the people that God was with them. The people, hearing such a declaration from their king, would confidently know God was the one who was really in charge. David’s words are fantastic! “Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that you can bring the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the Lord’s name.”
Are you seeking the Lord your God with all your heart and soul? What is the mission he has called you to do?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the mission you have given me. I sometimes feel unprepared and insignificant, but then you fill me with confidence and peace. That’s exactly the assurance I need to know I’m on the right track. Help me to stay focused and not let the distractions of the world get me off track. I want to make you proud of me and my work here on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
