Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Understanding to grow in
The entire book of 1 Chronicles has built up to the building of the temple. It tells us that God's presence coming to live amongst his people is our greatest need and priviledge. It is what was in Eden (Gen 3v8) and will be in eternity (Rev 21v3). So David repeats his heartfelt concern to build “a house” as “a place of rest” for “the ark” – signifying God’s presence, but is clear that God cannot truly dwell in a building. He then notes God’s rejection of him as builder (see notes ch. 22), but marvels that he has chosen him to be king and his son to sit on the throne, build the temple, and have an everlasting kingdom “if” he continues to be unswerving in obeying God’s law. As David knew the kingdom would ultimately endure because of God’s promise to him, this must refer to it ceasing to exist for a time if its kings proved unfaithful. Perhaps with this in mind, David then charges his hearers to obey the law in order that they may possess and pass on the land to their descendents “for ever” – ie. to generation after generation. All this explained the lack of king and established kingdom to the original reader after both were lost in the exile. It reminded them that God's presence is not just glorious but dangerous. For if his people sin, he will punish them. Turning to Solomon, David’s therefore charges him to obey. And his charge challenges us. It is to acknowledge God with “wholehearted devotion” and “a willing mind” because God understands the heart and “every motive” (1 Cor 4v5). Now foreshadowning Christ’s words, David promises if Solomon “seeks” to know God by these means, God will be found by him (Matt 7v7). But if Solomon rejects him, he will be rejected forever (Mk 8v28). Of course, Solomon did fail, but Christ didn't. And because of that, he has made atonement for our sin, so that we can endure God's presence without punishment. After affirming the temple plans were God-given, David urges Solomon to “be strong and courageous” (Jos 1v6-9) and not be frightened or discouraged because the LORD would be with him and the various groups of people ready to play their part (28v21). Jesus’ promise to be with his followers to the end of the age gives us the same reassurance as we build his church as the place of his presence (Matt 28v20). As you read consider what aspects of David's charge to Solomon apply to you.1 Chronicles 28
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.