“David said to the assembly, ‘Solomon my son… is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord. So I have provided for the house of my God, as I was able, the gold,.. silver,.. bronze,.. iron, and wood.., onyx and stones.., precious stones and marble. Moreover,.. I have treasure of my own.., and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it… for all the work to be done by craftsmen… Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?’
“Then the leaders.., the commanders.., and the officers… gave for the service of the house of God… gold,.. silver,.. bronze and.. iron. Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord… The people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
“Therefore David blessed the Lord in the assembly:.. ‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and earth is yours… Riches and honor come from you… In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and give strength to all. And now we… praise your glorious name.
“Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you… O Lord, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:1-3,5-14,16
David was exemplary in his leadership of Israel in preparation for building God’s temple. Captivated by God Himself and the privilege of doing His work, he contributed toward this effort with a whole heart. The people followed suit with eager willingness and joy.
Big projects energize, especially magnificent ones that have broad appeal and influence. God supplies inspiration, talent, energy, and resources to take them on. For God’s children, any great work is initiated by and for Him, not ourselves. If the world revolves around us, it’s easy not to see that He is actually center and source. Selfish endeavors make for meaningless effort and shallow living, while work done unto Him magnifies His glory.
We might dream of ‘palaces’ of perfect families, successful businesses, fine surroundings, where all is up to us to imagine and achieve; thus, we’ll receive the empty glory. If we turn our dreams to our Maker, and seek His purpose for life and plans for our industry, we’ find ourselves’ll be refocused on what matters eternally, and learn to invest in a spiritual dimension. Work turned Godward brings great satisfaction. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Do I suffer my work as an expenditure of sweat and effort I’d rather deploy elsewhere, or savor it as a sacrifice pleasing to God? Do I toil for selfish gain and personal attention, or for my Lord’s renown? How can I labor and communicate to better exalt the Lord God and inspire His praise? Keeping God’s purposes at the fore energizes work freely and joyfully done unto Him. (1 Chronicles 29:17-20; Colossians 3:23)
Father, keep me ever enthralled with You as my reason and source, Your blessing my fuel, and Your honor my end.
As the rain and snow 