King David challenged Israel to accept Solomon as their coming King. He also implored them to consecrate the Lord with offerings driven by loyalty and the understanding of the precious favor of God (1 Chronicles 29:5, NKJV). The Bible records, “Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly” (1 Chronicles 29:9). In this series of “Great Prayers”, we now see King David beseeching God in humility. As Moses made his prayer of intercession to God not to be vengeful towards Israel, but merciful to an unworthy people (Numbers 14:19), we now see David making a similar concession in the building of God’s temple. He states, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11). How often does mankind fail to remember that worship is OF God and FOR God? (John 4:23-24). Too often, worship fails to be TRUE but is driven to become “vain” (Matthew 15:9), “false” (Acts 17:23), and “willful” which precludes that innovations by mankind are equally justified beside the desires of his God (Colossians 2:23). These things ought not be so! David ensures the notion that God is great, not mankind. It is His will and desire which should be glorified among His people, never the “feeble” notion that man is on equal footing with his Creator (Psalm 8:4).
Rather, King David reminds the people that they should be “thankful” and “praise” His glorious name among the lands. David based this reflection on a common knowledge that those things which were offered up to God came from God in the first place (James 1:17). This is what makes personal offerings true sacrifices. Not only should WE belong to God, but ALL that we have, and hold should be recognized as His as well (Psalm 24:1). David states, “For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You” (1 Chronicles 29:14b). Thus, leading to his faithful utterance, “For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope” (1 Chronicles 29:15). What will it take for each of us to remember that we should belong to God? That we are the “sheep of His pasture, not of our own making? (Psalm 100:3). Over the course of time, it has become increasingly difficult to conclude any value in the truth of man (Romans 3:4). To prove this, God continually tests the heart of those claiming to be His (Deuteronomy 8:1-4). David illustrates this in reminding God’s people that they are “aliens and pilgrims”, not only before God, but before all of mankind. This is the way it has been from the very leaving of Egypt up until now! Not even Canaan was ever designated as a land forever for the lovers of God (Leviticus 25:23). God’s people have always been designated for “temporary assignment”. This often brings hesitation in the minds of those given this sentry order, but the true understanding of the matter is that this world was never designed to be our LONG-TERM home. Heaven is the earnest destination of those who love God and aspire to keep His commandments. As David prayed to God for the “right-ness” in giving for the temple, please God allow us today to give to you “right-ness” from an earnest heart which displays among men our love towards the promises afforded us by your love. We are but “little children” and intreat You to “fix our hearts”, so that we may serve You wisely in the time You have given us…Amen! (1 Chronicles 29:18-19). Think about these things, and God Bless,
Dr. Archie R. Green, Ed.D.-CCPC
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