3 Life-Values needed Today

Read 2 Chronicles 14.

What more information do we need about King Asa than verse 2?  "And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God."

There were at least three solid guiding life-values evident in this chapter.

1. Purity.

His life and leadership were in direct alignment with what God wanted done.

He vigorously dealt with the present spiritual needs in getting rid of false worship and demanding obedience to God's word.

2. Preparation.

Good times do not last forever.  He used this time of peace and prosperity to equip for future needs.

3. Prayer.

When the test came, he was spiritually ready and the resources were in place.  Though prepared, the odds against him were still overwhelming.  His trust was not in the intelligence of his planning or the size of his defenses.  His reliance was on God alone.

"O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak.  Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you..." (v.11a)

4 timeless principles for a victorious Life

Read 2 Chronicles 13.

Abijah became the new king in Judah.  He was a reformer and led the southern kingdom back to full obedience to the LORD.  He could no longer stand by and watch most of God's chosen people live in open sin.

Previously, God had stopped Abijah’s father from starting a civil war.  This time the LORD would fight for Abijah.  Judah was out-numbered 2 to 1 but that did not matter.  As David's best friend, Jonathan, once declared, "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6)

In his speech to the rebels of the north, Abijah raised the following issues:

1. God chose the lineage of David to reign over all of these people.

2. The nation divided due to Rehoboam surrounding himself with scoundrels, his youth and that he was weak as a leader.

3. Jeroboam led the split-off northern kingdom away from God and into idol worship.

4. Jeroboam rid the north of any spiritual leadership that followed the LORD.

Abijah's affirmations are timeless principles for a victorious life.

1. There was a personal commitment to God.

"But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him." (v.10)

2. There was complete obedience to God's word.

"We keep the charge of the LORD." (v.11)

3. There was submission to God's leadership in their decisions.

"God is with us at our head." (v.12)

4. There was a conscience dependency upon God.

"Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD." (v.18)

What does it take to get your Attention?

Read 2 Chronicles 12.

The reason for the failure of Rehoboam in life and as a leader is in the first verse.  He "abandoned the law of the LORD..."  And, as with any person of influence, others followed his example.

But these were God's people, living on the land that God had given to them, enjoying the blessings of God.  The LORD does not stand by idly while people misuse, abuse or are unfaithful with His stuff.  In the case of nations, God uses opposing nations to pressure or conquer those who refuse to listen to Him.

The Egyptians threatened to destroy the southern kingdom of Judah.  In God's faithfulness, He sent the Prophet Shemaiah a second time to Rehoboam.  The message from God was short and clear: "You abandoned Me, so I have abandoned you to the Egyptians."  It took this type of pressure and this sharp word from God to finally gain Rehoboam's attention.  He, along with his top leaders, humbled themselves before the LORD in an act of repentance.

God responded by sparing the people from total destruction.  However, the Egyptians did take "everything" of value that Solomon had amassed and the people lived in servitude.

1. No one gets away with ignoring or abandoning God's word and His claim on their lives. 

It may seem that way to us as we observe those who live and/or lead in disobedience to God.  But sooner or later the Divine intervention will come.  The Owner of all things will hold each individual accountable, either here or at the Judgment.

2. The question for all of us is: What does God have to do in order to get our attention so we will listen and respond to Him?

-For many who have hardened their hearts, the loss of home, health, wealth, relationships, etc. appear to have no effect.  God is speaking loudly, but they refuse to listen.

-For many others whose hearts are open, when the pressure or loss comes, they realize that God is their only source of true hope and help.  Their response to Him begins a lifelong personal relationship that can weather any storm.

-For some who have tender hearts toward God, they live expectantly and dependently on the LORD.  So, God does not have to shout to gain their attention.  He has it all the time.  The Prophet Elijah heard the voice of LORD in "the sound of a low whisper." (1 Kings 19:12b)

2 warnings that destroy Relationships

Read 2 Chronicles 11.

When Rehoboam announced that he would rule harshly, the people, not only did not comply, most of them left his kingdom.  The nation split in two.  In the north, Jeroboam led ten of the twelve tribes and, therefore, retained the name Israel for their kingdom name.  In the south, Rehoboam was king over the tribes of Judah (the largest of the twelve) and Benjamin (the smallest of the twelve).  They used the name Judah as their kingdom name.

This prompted the Rehoboam to make his second foolish decision.  He mustered his army to launch civil war.  God sent Shemaiah with a message to stop.  Thankfully, this time Rehoboam listened to God's word.

The LORD handed King Rehoboam an unparalleled opportunity.  He turned it into a disaster.  His enemy was not his fellow Israelites.  His greatest enemy was himself.

Two warnings for today:

1. Beware of self-importance.  It can lead a person to abuse their position and power, whether as a spouse, a parent, an employee, or a leader.   The sin of pride easily prompts mistreatment of others.  It causes one to consider relationships as dispensable. 

2. Be aware of personal insecurities.  The sin of fear can cause a person to be just as abusive as an ego-maniac.  To defend themselves against any and all threats, insecure people often react to others abruptly, sarcastically, or harshly in order to protect themselves.

Often, it is hard to initially tell the difference.  The outcomes of broken relationships and lost opportunities can be the same.

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."  (Romans 12:3)  

A second look at a bad Decision

Read 2 Chronicles 10.

With a change in leadership, the nation looked for relief from the burdens of King Solomon; namely, the style of leadership, amount of work, and taxes.

The new king, Rehoboam, had been given an opportunity to be more popular than his famous father.  He inherited this expanded kingdom and all its wealth.  There could not have been anything lacking.  But this inaugural decision required wisdom and character.  Rehoboam possessed neither one.

Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

There is no indication that Rehoboam tried to understand what God wanted him to do.  Given that, there was no way his leadership would ever last.  Solomon left the new king an advisory council to provide guidance in making important decisions.  Rehoboam met with them but ignored their wisdom.  His young, foolish friends, with their greedy agendas, swayed the king away from what was right.

Meanwhile, Jeroboam and ten of the twelve tribes of Israel waited for an answer.  The disastrous decision split the nation in two, leaving only Judah and Benjamin to remain under Rehoboam's leadership.

Two insights for us today from verse 15:

1. "So the king did not listen to the people..."

A good leader listens.  That does not mean that every decision will be popular with the majority, but it does mean that people need to feel heard.  It requires wisdom and skill to navigate what was said to make a right decision.  As a local talk show says, "It is not what is right or left.  It is what is right or wrong."

2. "...it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the LORD might fulfill his word..."

When an authority makes a bad decision, a wrong decision, or even a sinful choice there is One in heaven who is the Ultimate Authority.  It requires a spiritual perspective for followers to look beyond the human leader and trust God for the outcome.  None of Rehoboam’s actions caught God by surprise.  He predicted it.  And, the story has not concluded.  One day every wrong will be made right.  Every sin will be judged.  Every faithful person will be rewarded.

The man who had it All

Read 2 Chronicles 8-9.

Solomon expanded his kingdom.  Constructing his palace, the Temple, and other Jerusalem projects required twenty years.  Next, he turned to building the cities that King Hiram had given to him.  Then, he continued the expansion beyond Israel's borders.  He had a presence on the Mediterranean Sea.  This caused his fame to spread even more.

Along the way, he strengthened his political capital by creating allies through marriages.  Pharaoh's daughter became one of those.  These foreign wives brought with them their pagan religions and soon would result in Solomon's spiritual compromise.

The Queen of Sheba traveled some 1200 miles to see for herself.  Once she personally saw the great wealth and heard the great wisdom of Solomon, she was overwhelmed.

Solomon ruled Israel an additional twenty years.  His kingdom ultimately extended from the Euphrates River to Egypt.

What would the man who has everything be thinking now?  We are not left in doubt.  He wrote about it in the book of Ecclesiastes.  "I said in my heart, 'I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.'  And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly.  I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:16-17)

Acquiring stuff is not what life is all about.  Sooner or later we realize that all stuff is temporal and one day we will leave it behind.  Solomon compares it to chasing the wind.  Once you grab a fist full of wind there is nothing there.

Our love for God and the lives that are changed through our service for God, we will enjoy forever.

The One necessary need in Worship

Read 2 Chronicles 7.

This is the second time God stopped the service in the dedication of the Temple with His overwhelming presence.  The immediate response was worship and saying, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."  That line was put to music and, as the offerings were made, they sang those words.

The dedication was followed by continued celebrations and feasts with one last great assembly before returning home.

Then the LORD appeared to Solomon again to remind him of what is of primary importance.  Worshiping God was not about the building, as beautiful as it was.  It was not about the enormous quantity of the sacrifices that had been offered, though the altar in the Temple could not handle all of it.  It was not about the number of people who attended, though one would assume every able bodied person in the country tried to participate.

The LORD Himself must be the primary focus of life and behavior.  Worship is not a ritual.  It is a personal relationship with and a response to God.

In what is surely the most well-known passage of 2 Chronicles, God instructs the king about hard times ahead and the consequences of disobedience.  Yet, if the people will seek to Him, He will be found of them and helped.  "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (v.14)

So many desire God's intervention and answers to prayer but they fail to humble themselves in surrender to the LORD and be willing to forsake all that displeases Him.  Even for those who try to live godly lives, busyness gets in the way of spending quality time with the LORD.  As Jesus said to Martha who was so busy doing good and needful things, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but one thing is necessary." (Luke 10:41)

That one thing is Jesus.

Worship in the Temple today

Read 2 Chronicles 6.

At the dedication of the Temple, King Solomon makes two strong statements in verse 6 quoting the LORD God.  "I have chosen Jerusalem that my name may be there and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel."

What a beautiful sight that must have been!  Here was a kneeling king, on a bronze platform, thanking God for keeping His promises and dedicating this sacred place for future answers to prayer.

The Temple was a place for offering prayers, for offering sacrifices for various reasons, and for coming clean with the Lord.  No other nation on earth enjoyed such a relationship with God.  "Let your saints rejoice in your goodness" (v.41c)

When Jesus died on the cross, the final sacrifice for sin had been made.  The veil of the Temple, separating the holy presence of God, was torn from top to bottom.  His presence left the building.  Jesus now serves as high priest and all believers in Him are the priests (1 Peter 2:9).  The Temple was no longer the center for worship. 

Even Solomon admitted that the God of heaven cannot be contained in a man-made building.  Paul gave New Testament believers a thought-filled reminder that should help us discipline ourselves every day of the week.  "Or do you not know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body."

God is worthy of our Best

Read 2 Chronicles 3-5.

The location of the Temple was Mount Moriah.  This is one of the most sacred spots on earth.  It was the very spot that David purchased from Ornan in 1 Chronicles 21 and worshiped there.  A thousand years before, Abraham walked up this same mount to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22.

Today, it is known as the Temple Mount where the Moslem Dome of the Rock stands.  When Israel constructs its future Temple, according to Biblical prophecy, it will be on this site (Daniel 9, Revelation 11).  Obviously, some major events will need to take place first in order for the Jews to regain the use of that property.

The details of the construction and items inside were nothing short of magnificent.   It was ornate with carved woodwork.  The pure gold coverings and burnished bronze furnishings made it glisten.  Expensive?  Yes.  Opulent?  Yes. Many would consider this unnecessary and a waste of money that could have been better used to meet other needs.  But keep in mind that God gave King David these instructions.  God provided the resources to complete what He had ordered.  In chapter 2, Solomon stated that the Temple would be great because God is greater that all gods.  They worshiped the LORD with the best because He is worthy.

When the Ark was in place, the musicians began to praise the LORD: "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."  At that, God filled the place with His visible presence and stopped the service!

Questions for all of us:

1. Do we worship God and live for Him with a "just enough to get by" attitude?  Or, do we worship and live for Him with the best we have to offer?

2. When was the last time the presence of God was so strong you had to stop what you were doing and enjoy the moment?

Two Penetrating Questions about Worship

Read 2 Chronicles 2.

Solomon took up the passion of his father, David, to build the Temple.  He also wanted to construct palace for himself.  Immediately, the new king employed 153,600 men to go to work on the projects.

He had the plans.  He had the vision.  He had some resources.  But he lacked some needed materials, especially the high quality cedar wood found just to the north.  Those belonged to his neighbor, the king of Tyre.  So, Solomon reached out to Hiram for a construction partnership.

Not only was the task great, but the building was to be great.  Why? Because "our God is greater than all gods."  Solomon wanted the architecture to reflect the greatness of God.

Then, he asked two questions:

1. Who is able?

How can any building do justice to the greatness of God?  Who is able to design and construct such a place?  God cannot be contained in a man-made building.  In truth, the most beautiful worship facility in the world is only a box for human gathering space.  No structure can house the God of heaven.  Our best efforts are inadequate.

What makes such a gathering space a center of worship is what takes place within it and, more importantly, within the hearts of the people who participate.  As David wrote in Psalm 22:3, "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."  It is a picture of the LORD enjoying the worship of His people and filling that space with His presence.

2. Who am I?

How humbling it is when the creation compares itself to the Creator!  We have nothing to offer except what God has given to us.  What we bring in worship to Him is a heart of love, a life of obedience, and a song of praise.  And, that is not limited to a building.

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."  Hebrews 13:15 

Qualifications for answered Prayer

Read 2 Chronicles 1.

Solomon had settled in as king of Israel and already God had made him great.

Though many other events surely took place prior to this, the first recorded act of the new king was to worship God.  He left for Gibeon, the location of the Tabernacle at this time.  Out of his wealth, Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings on the bronze altar.

Solomon’s heart of worship and acts of giving so pleased the LORD that He personally appeared to the king.  God offered in response to give to Solomon whatever he wished.  The most pressing burden on the king's heart was to lead God's people well.  He prayed for wisdom and knowledge.

Again, Solomon's heart and expressions so pleased the LORD that He granted him his requests.  Then, God gave the king what he did not ask for-wealth, possessions and honor.

What was it about Solomon that pleased the LORD and brought about such results?

1. He made the worship of God was a priority.

2. He gave generously as a major part of his worship.

3. He acknowledged that his responsibilities and everything else had been given to him by the LORD.

4. He cared about meeting the needs of those around him first and foremost.

As a result of this kind of heart and obedience toward God, he experienced a personal encounter with the LORD Himself, received the answer to his prayer, and much more.

"Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24b)

Checking our motives and Integrity

Read 1 Chronicles 29.

David never worshiped in, nor even saw, the Temple he had dreamed about and longed to build.  He did the next best thing.  He made sure that the generations that followed would have a place where God's name would be honored and people could come to make their lives right with Him.

Before all the people the king stood to finish the needed preparation work.

1. He reminded the people of the motive of building this Temple.  It was not going to be a monument to David.  It was for the Lord God.

2. He stood with integrity and spoke of his own financial commitment.  A true leader never asks the people do something they are not willing to do.

3. He modeled generosity in announcing that now he would give "over and above" or "in addition to" all that he had already given.  All projects in the Bible were funded with generosity giving, not with tithe money.

His charge to everyone else was a spiritual one, not financial.  "Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?" (v.5)  The first lesson of stewardship is that God is the Owner of everything.  If I give myself to God, then giving generously is simply being a faithful steward.

The leaders went first.  That's what leaders do.  When the people heard David and saw their leaders give willingly and wholeheartedly they followed.  Many have commented that this was the largest offering in history.

Don't miss David's response of thanksgiving.  It is one of the finest prayers in the Bible.

"Oh, LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own." (v.16)

6 timeless principles for every Leader

Read 1 Chronicles 28.

Once the organization was in place and the leaders had been appointed, King David called for a meeting with his community of leaders.  The purpose was to cast vision for the succession plan and what that would mean in regards to the Temple construction.  The building preparations he mentions in verse 2 are found in verses 11-19.

Being the great leader he was David provides us with six timeless leadership insights.

1. He had it in his heart.  He could no longer stand the fact that God was being worshiped in a tent.  He dreamed of a beautiful, world-class, permanent facility worthy of the living God.  All great plans begin in the heart of a leader.

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2. He made the preparations.  Such a massive project would have never happened without all the materials, manpower and money being organized and ready for use.  No great plan was every achieved without prepared resources.

3. He delegated the responsibility.  It is always difficult to let go of one's personal dreams and entrust them to someone else.  Egotistical leaders selfishly cannot let go.  Insecure leaders fearfully will not do it.  A secure leader who understands God's bigger picture will.

4. He communicated the transition publicly.  Everyone in the larger organization heard firsthand what was happening and who would be leading.  Honest and transparent communications build trust. 

5. He reminded everyone why they were doing it.  In obeying the Lord, not only would there be an immediate benefit of enjoying the blessing of the land, but they would establish the worship of God for future generations (v.8).  They would be leaving a spiritual legacy.

6. He charged the next leader directly and spiritually.

"...know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.  If you seek him, he will be found by you." (v.9)

"He will not leave you or forsake you." (v.20b)

Let's Go to Work

Read 1 Chronicles 23-27.

King David organized the ministry.  First, he charged 38,000 Levites with specific assignments to care for worshiping God.  Imagine 4,000 of them were assigned as musicians to praise the LORD!  With the Temple being built in Jerusalem, worship of God would have a permanent home.  There would be no more need to move the Tabernacle around as had been done for 500 years.

The priests received their appointments to serve.  Next, the musicians were "set apart" to take care of writing, singing and playing instruments.  Asaph's family, among others, served as music directors.  The book of Psalms contains some of his songs.  288 had been exceptionally trained and skilled in music.  Gatekeepers for the Temple, those with financial responsibilities, and others were given specific oversight of the house of the LORD.

Then, David organized the military into 12 divisions of 24,000 each.  In addition, each of the 12 family tribes was maintained and leadership appointed for each one.  The king's own affairs required those to be in charge.  He appointed what we would call Secretaries of Treasury, Agriculture, etc., along with personal, trusted advisers.

No one can do an influential work alone.  The bigger the job, the more people will be needed to accomplish the tasks. 

One of the key purposes of the church is organize itself and put everyone in the congregation to work.  It is an employment agency for God.  Church was never meant to be a spectator sport.

The Apostle Paul stated that God gave each of us spiritual gifts to serve the LORD and leadership in the church "to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12)

5 Things for a Christian parent to Communicate

Read 1 Chronicles 22.

It was in David's heart to build a magnificent Temple for God.  But God made it clear that Solomon would be the one to oversee the construction.  Solomon was young and inexperienced.  So, David took care of the needed preparations.

He set in motion all the preparations of needed materials, manpower, and money.  More importantly, he prepared Solomon for the necessary leadership.

David's counsel to his son:

1. He was not a biological accident.  He was there at that time by the will of God.

2. God had a plan for his life that only he could fulfill.  It was his destiny.  That future included a personal, family relationship with God.

3. He would need "discretion and understanding" in order to obey God's word.  Indeed, this was Solomon’s request of the LORD in 1 Kings 3.

4. He would prosper as a result of obedience to the LORD.

5. Therefore, he would have no need to neither fear nor be discouraged.  Indeed, he could be strong and courageous.

Worship and giving are Inseparable

Read 1 Chronicles 21.

King David ordered a national census.  There was nothing inherently wrong in conducting a census.  Counting the people had been done before and since this time.  We are not told what David's motive was, but it appears to be some point of pride and reliance on Israel's military strength, rather than God.  Here, Satan incited David to do this.  In the parallel passage of 2 Samuel 24 it was the anger of the LORD that prompted this in order to punish the nation.  Commentators see no conflict and compare it to the book of Job.  The LORD allowed Satan to have limited influence to ultimately accomplish God's purposes.

Guilt overcame David when he realized his sin.  The LORD responded by sending the Prophet Gad.  Interestingly, the king was given a choice of three judgments lasting three years, three months or three days.  The king decided to leave the judgment with God, "for his mercy is very great" (v.13).

In a very dramatic description, the angel of the LORD (most likely a preincarnate appearance of Christ) with a sword unsheathed exercised punishment upon the nation.  Over a three day period, 70,000 men died.  Then, God said, "It is enough."  David and his inner circle of leaders were allowed to see this angel.  He was hovering over a place belonging to Ornan.

From God to the angel to Gad the message came to David to build an altar of worship on that site.  When Ornan and his family saw the king with his entourage coming his way, the family hid in fear but Ornan bowed in respect.  David asked for the threshing floor at full price.  Ornan countered and offered to give everything to the king.  Note the great sacrificial offer of Ornan.  This was his livelihood-his threshing floor for the place of worship, his oxen for the sacrifice, his wood sledges for the fire.

In the 2 Samuel account we have that wonderful quote from David in response to Ornan, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing."  True worship of the LORD and giving that costs us something are inseparable.  Worship is a participatory action.  We humble ourselves, we sing, we pray, we give, we listen to the word of God, and then live accordingly every day.

Dealing with those nagging Problems

Read 1 Chronicles 20.

Once the mercenary army of Syria had been defeated, David waited until the spring to deal with the Ammonites.  Israel's army completely overthrew Ammon and brought to David all the spoils of that land, including the king that rejected David's kindness.

The parallel passage to this chapter is 2 Samuel 11.  There we are told that while Joab fought the Philistines David was committing adultery with Bathesheba.

From time to time Israel would defeat the Philistines and control them, but they never truly conquered them.  Goliath's brother and other family members evidently were as big as he was and they met a similar fate in battle.

Like the Philistines, some of our problems never seem to go away but rise up and nag us from time to time.  Paul had such a struggle.  He battled whatever it was.  He prayed for its removal, but the thing just would not go away.  For us whether that is a temptation to sin, physical ailment, or a nagging need we may rely on the words of Jesus, quoted by Paul.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."

The risk of being Kind

Read 1 Chronicles 19.

This is for everyone who ever had a kindness backfire on them.

When King David heard that a neighboring monarch had died, he sent a group of personal representatives with his condolences to the family.  His only intention was to "console" the son who would become the new leader of the Ammonites.  It was a kind gesture of a good neighbor.  Surely, this should have been a building block of relationship and peace between the two nations.

However, the new king of Ammon came under the influence of the other princes.  They could only see David’s response as a spy mission.  Believing this to be a threat from the powerful king of Israel, they humiliated the very ones sent to show kindness.  One foolish decision followed another as they prepared for war.  The Ammonites hired surrounding armies to fight for them.  Israel fought for themselves, depending on the LORD for the outcome of this unprovoked war.  The cost to the Syrians alone was 7,000 chariots and 40,000 foot soldiers killed.

1. Sometimes one's best intentions and motives may be misunderstood.

2. Hurting people hurt people.

3. Evil eyes only see evil in every act of others.

4. Personal sin blocks people from accepting the pure motives of others, resulting in behaviors of anger, criticism, and distrust.

5. Insecure people see kindness as a weakness and react by trying to seize control.

Run the risk of being kind anyway!  There is One is heaven who sees our hearts and knows our true motives.  He is the rewarder of those who do the right thing.

The key to success in life has not Changed

Read 1 Chronicles 18.

Just because a person is right with God, prays to God, and is blessed by God does not mean that they are exempt from the battles of life.

Coming out of chapter 17 where David enjoyed a wonderful encounter with the LORD, multiple wars then broke out.  However, in each case we read "And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went."

When a person's ways please the LORD everyone around them benefits.  The battles were not fought nor won by David alone.  Thousands of others were involved.  The proof of one's true motives is often revealed when the battle is over.  Notice how David behaved afterwards.  "So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people."  He was a blessing to others as God had blessed him.

It is a reminder of the LORD's instructions to Joshua.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."  (Joshua 1:8-9)

5 Insights when God says No

Read 1 Chronicles 17.

This is a pivotal chapter in the scriptures.  David wanted to do a great thing for God.  Instead, God wanted to do an eternal thing for David.

It bothered King David that he lived in a palace and God was worshiped in a tent.  The Tabernacle was a portable tent established during the days of Moses 500 years prior to this.  The LORD was pleased with David's intentions and the plans for a permanent Temple would come later.  Instead, God established an unconditional covenant with David and his descendants forever.  Notice all the "I will" statements and there are no "if" conditions.

-The LORD will make David's name great.

-The LORD will establish His people in the land.

-The LORD will make David's family the royal family for Israel.

-The LORD will insure that David has perpetual descendants.

-The LORD will establish David's throne forever.

This is a key reason for the genealogy in Matthew 1.  It proves that Jesus was born in the direct lineage of David and has a right to this throne.  When Jesus returns, it will be to rule as King and not just of Israel.  He will rule the nations as King of kings and LORD of lords. See Revelation 19:11-17.

Insights for us all from this episode in David's life:

1. God can use our discontent or frustration to start us down a path of action.

2. There was nothing wrong with David's desires.  But he was not the person and this was not the time for that desire to be fulfilled.

3. The initial, well-meaning affirmations of a close friend are not necessarily confirmations of what God wants done.

4. God does have plans for our lives and futures.  He chooses not to reveal those plans in advance so that we will walk by faith and learn to dependently trust Him.

5. When God says "no" to our desires, He is saying "yes" to something incredibly greater that we may not be able to see for a while.

Elements of true Worship

Read 1 Chronicles 16.

With the Ark in place, it was time to worship and sing praises to God.  This is one of many psalms (songs) in the Bible a part from the Book of Psalms.

I am indebted to Eugene Merrill for his comments on this chapter as he demonstrates that this song appears to be a compilation of other songs from David.

1 Chronicles 16               Psalms

16:8-22                           105:1-15

16:23-33                         96:1b-13a

16:34-36                         106:1b-c, 47-48

How does one praise and thank the LORD of heaven?  Surely, we would leave something out.  Our praise and thanksgiving at times seem so inadequate, limited by words, human thought, and memory.

This song contains praise for what God has done in the past.  There are other objects of worship but all of them are man made idols.  He alone is to be held in awe (v.25).  He is the Creator (v.26).  He sovereignly chose this nation, made an everlasting covenant with them, and protected them. Worship of the LORD is to include an offering (v.29).  Worship declares who God is.  He is holy and to be feared (v.29b-30).

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (v.34)

The God of the second Chance

Read 1 Chronicles 15.

David learned his lesson from the error in chapter 13.  According to the Mosaic Law only the Levites were to carry the Ark of the Covenant.  The king called together hundreds of spiritual leaders and asked them to consecrate themselves before the LORD and prepare to return the Ark to Jerusalem.

It is no small detail that David explained in verse 13 what went wrong previously that cost Uzzah his life.  "Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to this rule."

The parade and great national celebration was on again!  The bands played.  The choirs sang.  The people danced.  Thousands cheered.

He has often been called the God of the second chance.  The LORD did not change His plans; He only changed those involved so they would put His word into practice.

Because of the forgiveness we have in Jesus, "He is   faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).  And, then, the LORD puts us right back on the path to do what we were supposed to do in the first place.  That is grace.

For those that need a Breakthrough

For those that need a Breakthrough

Read 1 Chronicles 14.

The very nature of leadership involves facing challenges and tests.  As soon as the Philistines heard that David was now the king, they went to battle.  The Philistines still relied on their man-made gods for guidance.  David, on the other hand, had complete faith in the LORD.

Each time he was challenged, David went to prayer and waited for an answer.  And, each time when the LORD was obeyed the nation experienced victory.

The first battle in this chapter took place at Baal-perazim which means "Lord of breaking through."  As David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood" (v.11).  In their quick retreat, the Philistines left all their gods behind.  David made sure they were all burned to ashes.

Some may choose to ignore the power of God.

Some may not believe in the power of God.

Some may resist the power of God.

But when God acts, it comes like an over-powering flood of water that bursts through all defenses of mankind.

Everyone needs a breakthrough at key times in their lives.  Our God is the "Lord of breaking through".

The missing piece in the Party

Read 1 Chronicles 13.

The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines in a battle with King Saul.  Now, King David organized a national celebration of unity that would include the return of the Ark to Jerusalem.  That beautiful gold covered box contained the tablets of law given to Moses, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna.  Over it were two Cherubs with their wings spread.  The high priest was to sprinkle the sacrificial blood of atonement for sin on the lid of that Ark.  Evidently, this had not been done for a quite a while during Saul's reign.

While returning the Ark was a noble and right decision, they failed to obey the Mosaic Laws concerning how to transport the Ark.  They thought they were doing a good thing by constructing a brand new cart for it.  That is what the Philistines had done in sending it back across the border.  But the law is clear in Exodus 25:13-14 that the Ark was to be carried by the Levites on poles that went through the rings built into the sides of the Ark.

What a sight this must have been!  The parade included instruments playing and people dancing, led by the king himself.  But all of a sudden a man was killed and the procession stopped.  David instantly became angry at God.  They entrusted the Ark to a local farmer, Obed-edom, for the next three months.  The walk home must have been a sad and confusing time for everyone.

David got over his anger when he understood what he did wrong (1 Chronicles 15:13) and confessed this.

God is not impressed with nice or joyous, human activity even for a good cause.  The standard for life is not if it feels right to us.  He wants obedience to His word above all.  Failure to do so is costly.

Know what God has said in His word.

Embrace what God has said.

Do what God has said.

Then let the celebration begin!