As the rain and snow

“‘Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness...’ While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?..

“’But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.’

“One of the lawyers answered him, ‘Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.’ And he said, ‘Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.  So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers… Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,” so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation… Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.’” Luke 11:34-35,37-40,42-52

Jesus knew what was in a man. He warns about what we expose our eyes to, whether we allow in darkness or light, then proceeds to declare what He, the all-seeing Son of God, sees. No pride, hypocrisy, deceit, untoward affection- nothing is hidden from His omniscient eye. (Luke 12:2-3; John 2:25)

His words uncover unseen ugly attitudes behind outward actions. On the surface these Pharisees looked pretty good: generous, disciplined, tidy top performers. But the living Word discloses what simmers behind their veneer: greed, injustice, cruelty, prejudice, spiritual rebellion, false honor. (Hebrews 4:12)

What do we work hard to hide about our interior? Where have our attempts to blind others to our tidily-tamped down inner sins actually blinded us to their poisonous effects, in our souls, our relationships, our worldview? How is bitterness, hatred, or a cold heart affecting our behavior, causing us to manipulate with carefully chosen deceit in word and deed? Who do we think we are fooling?

The wondrous truth about our Savior is that He died for all He sees. When His Spirit convicts of what we’ve attempted to conceal, He is near to hear our genuine confession and forgive. Would we come to Him and live- unburdened, clean, free?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Amen.

“Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem… And he made the Most Holy Place. Its length, corresponding to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and its breadth was twenty cubits. He overlaid it with 600 talents of fine gold. The weight of gold for the nails was fifty shekels. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

“In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of wood and overlaid them with gold. The wings of the cherubim together extended twenty cubits: one wing of the one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub… The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the nave. And he made the veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it… So Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of God: the golden altar, the tables for the bread of the Presence, the lampstands and their lamps of pure gold to burn before the inner sanctuary, as prescribed…” 2 Chronicles 3:1,8-11,13-14; 4:19-20

King Solomon had the big picture in mind when he set to work on God’s house. He knew its purpose, and he was precise in detail. With all its exact measurements supporting the exquisite design, he gave particular attention to the Most Holy Place, planned and constructed corresponding to the breadth of the house. The inner sanctum must always be the heart, the crown jewel, of any temple, including our own.

Our bodies are made up of many parts, each with its function, each for the good working and efficiency of the whole. But without the heart, pumping life blood through the rest of the body, there is no life. (1 Corinthians 12:14-18)

As God’s children, our bodies are the temple where Jesus Christ resides and reigns. We exercise a myriad of functions, going about work and play each day, concerned for our external activity, but the Lord calls us to tend to the inner sanctuary. Just as any vessel or structure cannot function well without an engine, an energy source, or foundational strength, our lives need a Holy of Holies that is given precedence and attention. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Do I start my day charging ahead on my pursuits with my ‘whole house,’ checking off my list of required to-dos and preferred want-tos? Do I see myself as indispensable and invincible for the demands at hand? What would change in my attitude or priorities if I began by tending to that secret place? What could change in my practical effectiveness and spiritual fruitfulness if I spent time in the Holy of Holies first thing?

What responsibilities call for insight, what decisions for wisdom? Would I seek them from God corresponding to their importance? Where do I lack energy, or spiritual zeal? Is my time spent with the Lord corresponding in measure to my dearth? Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” As your days, so shall your strength be, when we begin those days in the Holy Place. (Deuteronomy 33:25)

Lord, grant me wisdom and discipline to take time in the Holy Place proportionate to the demands of each day. Honoring You first is the only way to honor You always.

“Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the Lord… And Solomon assigned 70,000 men to bear burdens and 80,000 to quarry in the hill country, and 3,600 to oversee them. [He] sent word to Hiram the king of Tyre: ‘As you dealt with David my father.., so deal with me. Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel. The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem… Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber… The house I am to build will be great and wonderful…’

“Then Hiram the king of Tyre answered in a letter that he sent to Solomon, ‘Because the Lord loves his people, he has made you king over them… Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given King David a wise son, who has discretion and understanding, who will build a temple for the Lord and a royal palace for himself.'” 2 Chronicles 2:1,3-9,11-12

When Solomon takes the reins of the kingdom, a holy fire flames within. What a gift from God! Enthralled with his LORD, armed with an eternal perspective and purpose, he sets about the work of building a temple for His name with zeal and passion. As his desire to do the work burns, he is overwhelmed by the invisible spiritual magnitude of his intention. Shouldn’t we all be, with any work asked of our mighty God?

In any endeavor, if we are truly doing our work as unto Him, we must be captivated and compelled by God’s indescribable greatness and worth. We realize that while we make every effort to honor Him, He is still above and beyond us. His glory is still greater and His ways still loftier than anything we can imagine or produce. Such an outlook fuels humility and determines excellence in all we do. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Colossians 3:23)

Our work is a gift from God, designed for us who were made in His image to reflect His glory, be fruitful, and multiply. We should be zealous in our industry and delight in exercising God’s purpose for us as a demonstration of love, gratitude, and reverence. (Genesis 1:26-29; 2:7-9,15; Romans 12:6-11; James 1:17)

Have we grown lazy? Weary? Whiny? Do we hide and hope others will step up, or take advantage of opportunities to serve and do good? How would a higher view of God elevate our work? (Galatians 6:9-10)

Father, may I purpose, in all I plan and do, to exalt Your beauty, reflect Your excellencies, and honor Your name.

“David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.’ For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered… For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening, and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the Lord on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the Lord. Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 23:25-32

Under David, Jerusalem was established as Israel’s capital for worship. The job description for the Levites, God’s anointed for all care relating to the movable tabernacle, was forever changed. When Solomon would build the temple as the permanent place of worship, roaming priests would become regular fixtures, leading twice a day in thanksgiving and praise. David knew the worship of God was of the utmost importance, and must not be altered. Its location would change, but its primacy would not.

As we age, as we move, as we transition into new seasons, as arrangements and requirements for certain work and service change, we are confronted with the need to adjust ourselves. We might have new assignments, or no assignment at all. We may answer to a new supervisor, or suddenly become our own. What we once had energy and zeal to do, we may no longer enjoy or be able to perform. When all around us shifts and alters, what does not, and what must we let not?

God Himself never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His love for us will never fail. As His children, we are secure forever, our inheritance guaranteed, sure, and unchangeable. These truths will never change, and give us assurance in our worlds of flux and unknowns. (Psalm 136:1-3; Jeremiah 31:3; Malachi 3:6; Ephesians 1:11-14; Hebrews 13:8)

Our need to worship never changes. We were made for it. God’s worthiness of our full adoration, affection, attention, and trust does not shift like changing shadows. Though circumstances, responsibilities, roles, and our sense of place may change, our spiritual purpose to glorify the immutable God does not. Are we fixed, and our souls stilled, on this glorious calling? (Isaiah 26:3; 43:7; James 1:17; Revelation 4:11)

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change he faithful will remain…

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.” ~Kathrina Von Shlegel (1865)

Lord, let me never be shaken by changes around me, but be fixed on You and determined to exalt Your name at all times.

“Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah;  and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub;  and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash.  Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai.  Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. All these were stewards of King David’s property.

“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons.  Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. Joab was commander of the king’s army.” 1 Chronicles 27:25-34

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Luke 12:48

King David, steward of God’s promise and the seed of our Savior, understood his charge to take care of all that was entrusted to him. He had been given much, and he knew much was required, so he wisely and humbly ordered his kingdom to run smoothly and well. God gave him insight to see needs in his government, recognize individuals’ gifts, and assign them accordingly. (2 Samuel 7:18-29; 16:7; Matthew 1:1-17)

The Lord has appointed each of us in His varied kingdom a kingdom of our own to mind, whether our body, family, or broader reach of responsibility or service. Each has its challenges, yet we have the same Spirit to lead and enable us. How well do we understand our role as stewards of God’s grace and gifts? (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 12:4-7,11)

What areas in our lives and responsibilities do we prefer to tend, and which do we neglect? The Lord expects care and fruitfulness in all He entrusts to us, not just our pet interests. What decisions are we making to nurture our minds, bodies, spirits as well as our belongings? Would we be honest and repent of neglect and sloth, then plan and take steps to spend our time and resources efficiently, to yield maximum spiritual return, strength to the church, and glory to God? (Luke 13:6-9)

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will!

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Father, teach me to order well the kingdom You’ve entrusted to me. Provide people who share a vision for Your greatness, that together, we can lift high Your cause and name.

“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, ‘John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he sought to see him...

“At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’”

“When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.  The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” Luke 9:7-9; 13:31; 23:8-12

Herod was a man who gloated in his power and relished being titillated and entertained. He did not like being put on a spot about any personal belief or conviction, and shrank from being called to account. He much preferred to skim along truth’s surface where he could flirt with curiosity and gloss over real meaning- anything, including befriending a former enemy, to avoid having to make a faith decision about Jesus. (Luke 8:25)

It is one thing to want to know about Jesus, and entirely another to desire to know Him. Our world offers a full menu of opportunities to read and learn about the Lord, and wide is that road. But to get to know Him, personally and intimately, is an exercise of faith many eschew. We dance around the truth of who Jesus is with partners who share our inquisitiveness but coerce us into avoiding any commitment, any decision that instills accountability or requires a change of heart or habit. We might recognize the Spirit’s quickening, then unwittingly surround ourselves with nay-sayers, attempting to be placated and gain approval by rejecting the truth. Flirting with faith is a dangerous practice; God will not be mocked. (Matthew 7:13; Galatians 6:7-8)

Do we settle for superficial acquaintance with “Christians,” name-dropping from a conference attended or book read, but have no pulsing passion for Christ or measurable stride of faith to show? Are we all shallow talk and no depth walk? What evidence is there, looking back over the year, of significant transformation of our understanding, our temper and temperament, our attitude toward others, our exercise of faith over fear or peace over worry? How is growing faith shrinking old habits and prejudices?

When the Spirit moves us to surrender and we cease flirting, and fall in love with Jesus, we will not be able to get enough of Him. There will be no turning back in our quest to know Him, obey Him, honor Him, and glorify Him.

Father, may I never settle for shallow faith and cursory living. Drive me deep with You every day, and compel me to go deeper still and so be transformed from glory to glory until I see your face. (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2)

“Seek the Lord and live,
    lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph,
    and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel,
O you who turn justice to wormwood
    and cast down righteousness to the earth!

“He who made the Pleiades and Orion,
    and turns deep darkness into the morning
    and darkens the day into night,
who calls for the waters of the sea
    and pours them out on the surface of the earth,
the Lord is his name…

“They hate him who reproves in the gate,
    and they abhor him who speaks the truth.
 Therefore because you trample on the poor
    and you exact taxes of grain from him,
you have built houses of hewn stone,
    but you shall not dwell in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
    but you shall not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your transgressions
    and how great are your sins—
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
    and turn aside the needy in the gate.
Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time,
    for it is an evil time.

“Seek good, and not evil,
    that you may live…
Hate evil, and love good,
    and establish justice in the gate…

“I hate, I despise your feasts,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings..,
    I will not accept them…
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:6-8,10-15, 21-24

The powers of the world are formidable, but God’s is greater. (John 8:44; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:55-58; 1 John 4:4) The enemy relentlessly distorts, deceives, and destroys, but God is Victor over him, his minions, and every strategy and tool of his trade. In situations where injustice rules and wickedness wins, we can know this is not the ultimate ending, but what to make of present evil?

Could it be that the injustice we see- that cracks open our hearts and contorts our sensibilities- is intended to prompt us to action? What do we do with our angst and anger? Are we learning God’s way of turning it to earnest prayer, of imploring the Righteous One for intervention, exposure, justice? What would change in my attitudes and impulses if I asked for the Lord’s eyes in seeing others? (Luke 19:41-42; James 5:16; Revelation 6:10)

Could it be that the Lord intends for me to thread His shining, unexpected grace here and there through my culture? If the time we spent on ‘show’ and our man-made efforts to please God were replaced with genuine, merciful acts of kindness toward others, we would know true living in the grace and power of His name. Where and in what specific ways can I establish justice in my speech and manner of living? How can I spread good, and sincere love, in my treatment of others?

Could it be that the injustice we see- that seems ubiquitous as it spreads its universal cruelty via people and systems driven by pride and ill-filled agendas- is intended to awaken in us a longing for our heavenly home? There all will be well, we will have no tears. (Revelation 21:1-8,22-27)

Lord Jesus, faithful and just to forgive me, help me honor You by pouring heavenly justice and righteousness through this dark world. (1 John 1:9)

“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles…

“And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people… And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

He went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'” Matthew 5:1-11; Luke 6:12-13,17,19

There is a wide sense of depth and breadth and height in Jesus’ beatitudes. He climbs a mountain to pray, alone with His Father, and we imagine a myriad of praises, thanksgivings, petitions, bound up in love and expectant dependency. He descends to meet His people, those who follow, those who need, those who absorb His teaching, those who are desperate. Then He ascends again, this time to give out broad and cogent teaching by way of a list of blessings. We are there, as disciples, receiving this fresh rain that soaks into every area of life.

From on high, He lifts His loving, all-knowing eyes on His children, then pronounces His benevolence into the depth of our soul need, the wideness of our hearts’ hunger and pain, the breadth of our relationships. The Son of Man who is acquainted with grief blesses that of His own, promising comfort, fulfillment, mercy, and a heavenly inheritance. He assures that now we are citizens of heaven’s kingdom, and one day will be rewarded there. (Isaiah 53:3-4)

To realize the reach of Christ’s blessings to us is to be thankful beyond expression. To realize that He who sees all things has set His eyes and His affection on us is to fall humbly before His throne in adoration. To recognize the vastness of His love and concern for all that concerns us fills us with unshakeable hope. Would we set aside lesser pursuits to come to the mount and listen to His voice, to sit under His adoring gaze and receive His blessings of promise and favor? What keeps us away, and why is it more important? (1 Chronicles 17:16-18; Psalm 138; Ephesians 1:3,11-14)

My Lord, keep me climbing ever higher to be nearer Thee. Pull me ever closer to feel Your heartbeat and synch with its pulse. May my open arms receive and extend Your wide mercies, and my lips bless others in Your name.

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.  Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious...

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless,.. that you may obtain a blessing. For

“’Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it.’” 1 Peter 3:1-4,7-11

Giving in to peer pressure can veer us not only into danger as individuals, a church, or a nation, but away from God’s distinct plan. When we live according to the Scriptures, we will be seen as counter-cultural in many places. But God has beneficial and sanctifying reasons for His commands, and we are indeed blessed when we follow them. The world may never understand our satisfaction in Christ, or taste of the eternal riches we daily enjoy, but we can make them attractive by the way we live as they watch. Emulating Christ, we will stand out and apart from and contrary to the world. (Ephesians 1:3,7-8)

The world seldom esteems respectful submission, purity, mutual honor, prayerfulness, and valuing inward gentleness and a quiet spirit over outward adornment. Considering what we spend money on, what we choose for entertainment, and all that is advertised and promoted in media, biblical instructions for husbands and wives seem far-fetched, if not subversive to our me-first mentality. What do my manner and behavior tell about what I value most?

In our interactions with others, particularly those with whom we have disagreement or a different view, how common is it to work for agreement, show sympathy, brotherly love, tenderness and humility? To do so is unexpected, and may not even be well-received, but it honors the Lord and opens possibilities for His light to shine in darkness and opportunity to tell the reason for the hope we have. What we do with our tongues when we hold back lies, retribution, and blame, and instead bless and speak calmly and kindly, may both surprise and irresistibly draw those who long for something more than the world’s fare of deceit, crassness, criticism, and complaint. (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:15-16)

Where do I need an adjustment toward contrariness? What steps can I take to be lit from underneath and inside to show forth His character?

Lord, give me boldness to stay contrary to the world and aligned with You. So fill me that my different way of living makes a difference to those I encounter, for Your sake and glory.

“Then David said, ‘Here shall be the house of the Lord God…’ David… set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze.., and cedar timbers… David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.’

“Then he called Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the Lord. David said, ‘My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood… Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest… He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.”

“‘Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God. May the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep [his] law… Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. I have provided… gold, silver, bronze, iron… timber, stone. To these you must add.  You have stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The Lord be with you!

“‘Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary… for the name of the Lord.’” 1 Chronicles 22:1-16,19

David was a man of many talents, and burning holy desire. The Lord had honed and implemented his skills for the good of Israel, and near the end of his reign, led him to prepare his son Solomon to carry on His kingdom work. David’s priorities as a parent, in this case, are admirable: he pointed Solomon first to the Lord, encouraged his fidelity to God’s word, then supplied much- but not all- of what he would need. He knew that being given everything could emasculate Solomon and steal his opportunity to develop as a leader, to grow in faith and dependence on God, to work hard at his distinct assignment.

When desires are held out to the Lord, He will direct our paths forward with them. David could have bemoaned God’s “not you”, yet he willingly accepted it and proceed accordingly. ‘If that’s not what You want, then lead me to what you do want.’ Shouldn’t this be our submitted position with every passion, no matter how ‘right’ it is? (Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:1-3)

How indicative is our behavior of the fact that our relationship with the Lord is completely integrated with our work? With those for whom we are responsible, do we balance spiritual instruction with practical advice, godly wisdom with material supplies? Are we committed to teaching and emulating the intertwining of truth and talent, heart and hand, that our lives are from God and to be lived for Him? (Isaiah 49:3; Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:16)

Father, order my efforts to reflect Your pattern, so the instruction and legacy I leave reflects Your priorities and supremacy.