I think of King David, “a man after God’s own heart." (Acts 13:22). There were times when he was unfaithful, and in those times he was not “ a man after God’s own heart.” David had great resiliency in changing his prodigal ways, back to God’s holy ways. He like many Christians today realize that sometimes you stumble and fall, but he like some of us, was willing to admit our failures and ask God for forgiveness (1 John 1:8). This is one of the many great lessons we learn from David.
As one observes the life and times of King David, You can see that God was always had a great part in his life (Ps. 37:25). David wanted to build a house (Temple) for God. The Lord had delivered him so many time during his life, that David wanted to do something to honor him. David was not concerned about his own epitaph, But he wanted a memorial made for God, that would be remembered for all time. He had a passion “powerful emotional love” toward God. He wanted his legacy to be the “Temple.” It was a very noble idea. I am sure God was pleased with David’s obsession to do something for him, but it was not God’s will for him to build the “Temple.”
“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.” (I Chronicles 22:7-10).
I would think that David was somewhat disappointed, but he would not sulk or mope around. He would go to plan “B” as it were. Here is another great example of David’s passion for the Lord. He cannot build the “Temple” but he can use his personal fortune to donate to the temple. “ Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,” (I Chron. 29:2). David has not given 10% to the Lord, but over 90% of all his wealth.
Does that remind you of the “rich young man who walked away sorrowfully? “The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 19:20-23).
Do we not understand that everything we have belongs to God. We are just stewards of these earthly possessions. David knew he could not build the temple, but that did not stop him from contributing to it. He also knew that his son Solomon would get the credit for it, but he didn't care. He knew his eyes would never behold one brick of the glorious “Temple” he had envisioned. Yet, he provided the wealth of all that he had. He also encouraged the people to donate to the construction of the “Temple” and they did (1Chron. 29:6).
We as Christians today need to lay the ground work for the church, whether or not we ever see it come to fruition. We need to have this passion David had in glorifying God? Let us live our lives as a monument to God? Good Day!
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