In 1 Chronicles 22 we read about how King David prepares his son Solomon to be the next king over Israel. He also instructs Solomon to build the temple, which David was told by God not to build because he had shed too much blood in past battles.
22:8 "But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight."
David wanted to build the temple but God told him it was not for him to do, and David seemed satisfied with this. King David had accomplished a lot with God's help, and now it was time to pass the torch so to speak. Throughout this chapter we read how David encourages his son to keep the law of the Lord, and that Solomon will prosper if he follows the statues and rules God gave Moses.
Are we satisfied if others, and not ourselves, get to do things that bring honor to God? Are we willing to be a background player while others get a more honourable position that gives them glory? King David was not a background player, he had lived a great life, but this was one thing he wanted to do that God said "no" to.
David also had the means to build the temple and helped prepare Solomon for this job by supplying materials, but he stopped there, because God told him to. Are we this obedient to God?
In our reading from Luke 3, we read about John and how similar his story is to the leaders of the early church. John talked about needing to change our attitudes and actions, and living for God by loving others. He was thrown in jail for it, just like many in the early church. This is a reminder again to me of the price we need to be willing to pay if we follow Jesus.
3 comments:
Reading the genealogy of Jesus reminded me of the cast of characters in a play. This cast list does have some significant main lead roles like David and Joseph and Noah and Abraham Adam. These are the ones we know so much about because their part in the story was written about the most. However, just like a play, the minor lesser known characters are still important because the play would not be as good without them. We may not know much about Peleg or Esli or Cosam or Admin but they are just as significant to the story of Jesus' birth.
King David's obedience and the fact that he didn't let his pride get in the way is a great reminder for us to do the same. And even though he couldn't do the actual building of the temple, he still did what work he could to prepare things for his son to do so. Are we willing to, not only step aside from the "limelight" but be a willing helper instead?
Great point about the genealogy Pam!
Passing the torch on as David was commanded by God to do is not easy. David who was a powerful king had to take the back seat to his young and inexperienced son. A good reminder that God will use various types of people to fulfill His plan.
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