I think of times when I have it in my mind to accomplish something and there is nothing that will get in my way to make it happen. I think of Olympic athletes that work for a lifetime to have the opportunity to represent their countries in competition. They attend the Olympic trials with everyone else and in some cases are the favorite to achieve the goal, only, for one reason or another, they do not succeed.
“6Then he called for Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7David said to Solomon, ‘My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. 8But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth.”’” – 1 Chronicles 22:6-8 (ESV)
David who had been called a man after God’s heart would seem to be the one to build the temple. He was the king and had all the rights to do so based on his position in the kingdom in this world as well as being so close to God. But, it was not to be. God had other plans and had a legitimate reason as to the why.
What I take away from this passage is not that David was denied the building of the temple, but the very idea that he embraced it and formally charged Solomon to do so.
“11Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you.” – 1 Chronicles 22:11 (ESV)
David was not selfish in his undertakings and did not look to build his name through further actions. In fact, he embodied the very idea of being a man after God’s heart. He embraced the charge from God that Solomon was to build the temple and made sure to provide what was needed to not only get started, but to make the beginning a much easier undertaking.
David was strong in and with the word of the LORD. He was obedient even though he was not to get the glory himself. He worked hard to accomplish the goal and when the time came, he graciously and fully supported Solomon as the one to take the task to the end.
It is for me to be reminded that I may prepare and work hard to accomplish the goal, but when the time comes, it is my role in God’s plan that matters in the end. I am to be strong and stay in/with the word of the LORD so that His will is done and not mine.
When you spend time and energy working for something only to not fully succeed, how is it that you react? Will you be satisfied to do all the hard work and turned everything over to others when God calls them to finish the task? What if you were to be strong in/ with the word of the LORD and give others your support?
Trevor's Thoughts 