Bible Pathway - May 20

Read 1 Chronicles 27

Highlights:

Solomon encouraged to build the Temple; David’s gifts for the Temple; his thanks and prayer; Solomon made king; David’s death

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance (1 Chr. 29:2).

David had a desire in his heart to build a Temple for the Lord. Because he was a man of war, he was not allowed to do this. His son, Solomon, was to one day take his place as king. When that happened, Solomon would be allowed to build this Temple for God.

Though David would not be allowed to build the Temple of God, this did not mean he could not help prepare the way. He knew Solomon was young and he would have many responsibilities as king. Therefore, David would ensure that everything Solomon would need would be at his disposal.

It would be easy to argue that David had just as important a role in the construction of the Temple as Solomon did. David had no concern about what part he might be credited with. He simply wanted to make sure that the Temple was built. It was the passion of his heart to see it done. So, he did all he could to prepare for it.

Just as with David and the Temple, the things we want to do for God may not always be the things He calls us to do. For instance, you might have an individual that wants to preach or teach or sing for the Lord. However, God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (1 Cor. 12:28-29). God may have completely different plans for that person. If they continue doing something God has not called them to do, this in the end will not be good for the person or the Kingdom of God.

We need to handle this situation as David handled it. The role we desire to play in the work of the Lord may not be intended for us. This part may be given to someone else. What will our reaction be? Will we rebel against what God has for us? Or will we accept the part God gives us and rejoice for being included? It is important to go the direction God calls you to go and support others as they do the same. This will allow us to effectively use the gifts God has given us.

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will (Heb. 2:4).

Thought for Today:

Anyone can praise God under good circumstances, but the true test comes in praising Him in the hard times.

Christ Revealed:

Through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (1 Chr. 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal (Rev. 21:21) and represents the preciousness and great worth of Christ. He is pure (undefiled) (1 John 3:3).

Word Studies:

27:2 course, division; 28:19 works, details; 29:1 tender, inexperienced; 29:3 proper good, personal treasure; 29:15 none abiding, soon gone; 29:19 palace, Temple

Prayer Suggestion: Intercede for others (Ex. 32:31-32).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41