1 Chronicles 28
This chapter is David’s charge to the people of Israel and to his son, Solomon, regarding Solomon’s succession to the throne and construction of the temple according to the detailed plans that God inspired David to write down. Chronicles parallels First and Second Samuel, but the books of Samuel were written by Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, at a time much closer to their occurrence.
One charge from David to his son is repeated twice in this chapter and provides a command that is still relevant to us today.
In verse ten, speaking of Solomon being chosen by God to build the temple, David declares, “Be strong and do the work.”
Again in verse twenty, as he is wrapping up the summary of all that God inspired him to record regarding the building of the temple and its implements, he states, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
What a word for us today! Yes, there is a monumental task before us to share the gospel, to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet to the least of these, to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” There is so much work to be done. But God is still with us. He still will not fail us or forsake us until all the work He has given us is done, until every nation has heard of His great love and sacrifice for all mankind.
He’s calling us to be strong and courageous. Be courageous when people revile or persecute you for your faith. Be strong and courageous when you are preaching the gospel that unites us as one body and some only see our differences. Be strong when this sin-sick world causes you pain, because Jesus is preparing a place for you and will come again to receive you to himself. Be strong and DO THE WORK!!
That doesn’t mean a works salvation where we earn our place in heaven. Solomon was first chosen, then commanded to do the work. You and I were similarly first chosen, for whatever grand monument God prepared us to build—a family, a student prepared for the world, a church, a ministry, a business, a book.
When you feel like giving up, remember that God called you to DO THE WORK.
When you get discouraging results, remember that God didn’t promise it would be easy, but He still called you to DO THE WORK.
When others reject what you’re doing or criticize from the bleachers or try to throw stones or to lead you away from the foundation God has laid, DO THE WORK.
Many of the most gorgeous cathedrals in Europe were built over a hundred or more years, with various artisans devoting their entire life to the work, but never seeing it to completion. Your work, too, may not be completed in your lifetime, but if it is God’s calling, it will be completed. Be strong and courageous and do the work.
This chapter is David’s charge to the people of Israel and to his son, Solomon, regarding Solomon’s succession to the throne and construction of the temple according to the detailed plans that God inspired David to write down. Chronicles parallels First and Second Samuel, but the books of Samuel were written by Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, at a time much closer to their occurrence.
One charge from David to his son is repeated twice in this chapter and provides a command that is still relevant to us today.
In verse ten, speaking of Solomon being chosen by God to build the temple, David declares, “Be strong and do the work.”
Again in verse twenty, as he is wrapping up the summary of all that God inspired him to record regarding the building of the temple and its implements, he states, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
What a word for us today! Yes, there is a monumental task before us to share the gospel, to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet to the least of these, to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” There is so much work to be done. But God is still with us. He still will not fail us or forsake us until all the work He has given us is done, until every nation has heard of His great love and sacrifice for all mankind.
He’s calling us to be strong and courageous. Be courageous when people revile or persecute you for your faith. Be strong and courageous when you are preaching the gospel that unites us as one body and some only see our differences. Be strong when this sin-sick world causes you pain, because Jesus is preparing a place for you and will come again to receive you to himself. Be strong and DO THE WORK!!
That doesn’t mean a works salvation where we earn our place in heaven. Solomon was first chosen, then commanded to do the work. You and I were similarly first chosen, for whatever grand monument God prepared us to build—a family, a student prepared for the world, a church, a ministry, a business, a book.
When you feel like giving up, remember that God called you to DO THE WORK.
When you get discouraging results, remember that God didn’t promise it would be easy, but He still called you to DO THE WORK.
When others reject what you’re doing or criticize from the bleachers or try to throw stones or to lead you away from the foundation God has laid, DO THE WORK.
Many of the most gorgeous cathedrals in Europe were built over a hundred or more years, with various artisans devoting their entire life to the work, but never seeing it to completion. Your work, too, may not be completed in your lifetime, but if it is God’s calling, it will be completed. Be strong and courageous and do the work.