David’s Temple

This morning before my weekly conference call and my Chiropractor appointment, I attended a session at Poudre Valley Hospital on dementia care. Our friend Cyndy Luzinski did a great job in discussing the issue and talking about her work to promote, “dementia friendly communities.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and follow all the commands of the Lord your God so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever. “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.” 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 HCSB

It is referred to as “Solomon’s” Temple, but it could be viewed as “David’s” Temple. David had it in his heart to build a temple in honor of the Lord God. While the Lord told him he would not accomplish it, but his son after him, that did not dissuade David from pursuing the task. David would not “build” the temple, but he would do everything in his power to ensure the temple would be built including plans and resources and instructions to his son Solomon.

Much of Chronicles focuses on the Lord’s Temple. We see David’s vision for the temple in 1 Chronicles chapter 22 and we see the Lord answering Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 7. Underscoring the emphasis on the temple, 1 Chronicles ends with instructions to the people and Solomon about his primary task as King. Solomon was not to have a kingdom built to honor his name, but one to honor the Lord’s. As he made that commitment, we see the Lord honored Solomon with making his name great.

The plans and call to build the temple provides several illustrations of leadership, planning, vision and spiritual commitment.  We see David’s charge to Solomon is specific and straightforward,

“Now, my son, may the Lord be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as He said about you. Above all, may the Lord give you insight and understanding when He puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will succeed if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged.”               1 Chronicles 22:11-13 HCSB

Solomon was taking on a building project, but it was a spiritual endeavor as much as a practical one. He needed insight and wisdom, he needed to be strong and courageous. The admonition about “don’t be afraid or discouraged” is one any pastor can related to who has taken on a building project of any magnitude. It seemed from many observations that a pastor who was a builder of building was not able to remain to build the church. Or in some situations the adage applied, “the building program was a success, but the congregation died.” Such undertakings always provide much to fear and many opportunities for discouragement.

Chronicles through its genealogies, ties God’s people to their origins and divine call. The focus on the Temple ties God to the center of the lives of God’s people. The temple was a reminder that God is to be honored, obeyed and always found in the center of the lives of the people. The Lord is found by those who seek Him, and He is looking for those who will serve Him with a “whole heart and willing mind.”