Judging others Biblically

 Read 2 Chronicles 19. 

King Jehoshaphat made a bad decision.  He joined with the northern kingdom of Israel in a war when God said, "No."  Only by God's grace did he escape death.  When he arrived back home in Jerusalem, the LORD sent a prophet to rebuke him for what he had done.  However, Jehoshaphat was a good man and loved God.  Much remained for him to do in continuing the reforms he started. 

He personally pursued some people who had been scattered or alienated to bring them "back to the LORD."  Then, he reestablished the nation's judicial system from top to bottom.  Judges were appointed, nationally and locally.  In the past, judgments had been corrupted.  But such injustices would no longer be tolerated in Judah. 

Note the charge to these judges:

1. "You judge not for man but for the LORD."  v.6a

They were to represent the LORD in making their decisions.  That required that they know the word of God and seek to do what is right in God's eyes.  Right judgment is not to be determined by popular opinion, nor by respect of persons. 

2. The LORD "is with you in giving judgment."  v.6b

Judges must make some hard calls.  They are human, too.  They have feelings and even, at times, can second guess themselves.  But people look to them to make a decision.  This is true in the church also.  In Matthew 18:20, when a decision must be made concerning an unrepentant offender in the congregation, and the two or three witnesses have been heard, Jesus said, "there am I among you." 

3. "Let the fear of the LORD be upon you."  v.7a

No judgment is to be handed down lightly, thoughtlessly, or selfishly.  Judicial decisions are accountable to the Source of all authority.  Jesus announced that the Father "has committed all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22).  And later He stated, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).  

4. "Deal courageously." v.11

In light of all the support God has provided to judges (His word, His presence, His authority), they are to serve with bold confidence. 

God, give us these kinds of judges for our nation today.

 

Wise People seek Wise Counsel

 Read 2 Chronicles 18. 

Often during these times, international alliances were secured through arranged marriages between nations.  Such was the case with the godly King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the wicked King Ahab of Israel. 

Ahab asked his son-in-law to join forces and go to war with him.  Jehoshaphat would not agree until first they sought counsel from God.  Ahab turned to his 400 prophets of the false god Baal.  These phony seers even claimed to speak for the God of heaven (v.10-11).  But the LORD allowed "a lying spirit" (v.21) to be the counsel of Ahab's spiritual advisers.  Jesus called Satan "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). 

Wisely, the King of Judah asked for a word from a prophet of the LORD.  Ahab knew of one, but he hated Micaiah because the word of the LORD was always against him.  He knew his life and kingdom were in opposition to the God of heaven, but he sought to go on in that direction anyway.  That is a definition of insanity. 

Ahab did not listen and it cost him his life.  Jehoshaphat went along and narrowly escaped by the grace of God. 

Micaiah's commitment was to the word of God. 

"As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak." 

Sometimes what God has to say is a hard message.  Sometimes those who hear what God has to say will reject it.  But to those who have open hearts to respond to the LORD, His messages are wonderful words of life.

5 keys to a blessed Life

 Read 2 Chronicles 17. 

Everyone wants to enjoy the blessings of God in life.  Few employ the principles. 

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, followed his father to the throne of Judah.  We are provided with a list of reasons why he was a good king for the people and blessed by God. 

1. "He walked in the earlier ways of his father David."

King Jehoshaphat understood his heritage.  He did not get to where he was by himself, or by some accident.  He was born into a family whose individuals possessed personal faith in God.  It was his ancestor David whom God had chosen to be the royal family for Israel forever.  David had a whole heart for God and this new king had the same desire. 

2. "He sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments."

His faith was more than cultural or ancestral.  Jehoshaphat enjoyed a personal relationship with God.  He inquired of the LORD and His word so he would know how to live and fulfill his responsibilities. 

3. He did not behave like others who did not follow God. 

He lived life and ruled in great contrast to the surrounding cultures. 

4. "His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD."

Faith was not merely a belief system for Jehoshaphat.  He took bold steps to put God's word into practice.  When he saw something that displeased God, he took action to rid his nation of the sin. 

5. He ensured peace through preparation.

Nationally, the king maintained peace in the region through amassing military strength.  He maintained personal peace through spiritual discipline. 

The results?

-He became financially blessed.

-He was honored by his people.

-His neighbors experienced the fear of the LORD and respected him.

The Danger of Success

 Read 2 Chronicles 16. 

All stories do not have happy endings.  One may be incredibly successful at some point in their lives and then destroy their legacy with later, foolish decisions.  History is replete with examples.  Unfortunately, King Asa was one of those.  He started so well but he did not finish well. 

In his early years, he relied on the LORD to guide and establish him.  But in the latter years, when the northern kingdom of Israel began building a blockade against him, he faltered.  The alliance with a neighbor did not seem to be a violation in itself.  The text is clear, however, that Asa looked to human resources for continued success in the place of relying on God first.  Asa had faced bigger situations than this, but in that prior time he prayed and God gave him victory. 

It is usually not the new challenge that trips us up.  Most often, it is the same one that has been nagging at us for some time. 

There is a difference then in one using resources (personal gifts, abilities, skills, finances, other people) in life versus relying solely on them.  Or, as my friend Dr. John Maxwell has written, "talent is not enough." 

At this point, what Asa missed most in his understanding of life and his relationship with God was this:

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." 

God is looking-searching-for individuals who need His strong support and will rely on Him with all their heart.

The power of Influence

 Read 2 Chronicles 15. 

Never underestimate the power of your personal influence.  For better or for worse, we influence everyone around us.  For many, eternity is at stake.  How crucial it is then to be careful that God is in control of our lives!  

Asa was a good king in Judah.  His loyalty and dependence upon God had already been proven.  Yet, there was so much more to accomplish with his life and leadership.  After the battle was over, this leader could have claimed that he was tired and need to back off for awhile.  The LORD sent Azariah to speak to the king.  The prophet's message included some basic principles of understanding God and how He works with individuals and nations.  His conclusion: "But you, take courage!  Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." 

That was all Asa needed in order to energize him and lead the nation to completing the spiritual tasks he started in chapter 14.  He vigorously got rid of those things that displease the LORD.  He repaired those things used to worship God.  When he stepped up, the people followed his lead.  Leadership is influence. 

One person influencing another resulted in the spiritual revival of an entire kingdom.  Whose life can you influence today for God and for good? 

Be encouraged.

Be strong.

Finish the spiritual work.

Seek the LORD with all our heart and soul.

There is a reward for being faithful.

 

3 Values for life 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 outnumbered 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 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 and Benjamin.  They used the name Judah as their kingdom name. 

This prompted 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 longed for relief from the burdens of King Solomon; namely, the style of leadership, the amount of work, and taxes. 

The new king, Rehoboam, had been given an opportunity to be more popular than his famous father.  He inherited an expanded kingdom and all its wealth.  There could not have been anything lacking.  His 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, 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.  

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 was not over.  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 compared 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 instructed 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 made 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 place that David purchased from Ornan and worshiped there in 1 Chronicles 21.  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 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 those are 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 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 them 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 Indispensable 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 regarding the Temple construction.  The blueprints, if you will, are found in verses 11-19. 

But 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. 

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 alone. 

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 do it.  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.  Open and honest transparency builds 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 the corporate worship of God.  Imagine 4,000 of them were assigned as musicians to praise the LORD!  With the Temple being built in Jerusalem, the 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 organization.  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 "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 fear or 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 angel and the king with his entourage coming his way, they hid in fear.  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 response David delivered a timeless principle: "I will not take what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings 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 money, 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 and they met similar fates 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 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."