05 August 2008

Preparing the Temple – 6.11.08

It was David's desire to build a house for the Lord to dwell in (2 Samuel 7). This desire was pleasing to God, but He would not allow David to do it. The Lord told David that his son Solomon would be the one to build the temple. So for the rest of David's life, he made preparation for the temple that Solomon would build. He had plans and patterns and blueprints and wood and gold and silver and precious stones and nails and workers – all lined up for Solomon to begin as soon as he took the throne.

In 2 Chronicles 28, David is getting ready to pass from the scene and is giving one last charge to his son. This passage, especially the verses below, takes my mind to 2 Peter 1:3. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who hath called us to glory and virtue.

Our King, Jesus Christ, before leaving this earth, gave us a charge to build His church (1 Corinthians 3:9-10; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5). And just like David did for Solomon, our King has left us with everything we need to carry out that task.

Let's note some particulars from the Chronicles passage and line them up with our situation as NT believers.

1. The word of God

Verse 19, All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. Verse 11, Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch…Verse 12, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit…

The word of God is pure (Psalm 12:6). It is preserved (Psalm 12:7). It is perfect (Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 33:4). And it is powerful (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). If we abide in his word, we will be clean, and we will bring forth fruit (John 15:3-8).

2. The abiding presence of God

Verse 20, And David said to Solomon…the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.

Before Jesus left, He promised to send another Comforter (John 14:16, 26). He told his disciples, Lo, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). He has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The full indwelling of the Holy Spirit is given the believer at the moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:12-14), and it is through His power that we can be made perfect in every good work to do his will, working that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:20).

3. The people of God

Verse 21, And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

Every member of the body of Christ is given some spiritual gift for the purpose of profiting, perfecting, edifying, building up every other member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:7-16). That's why it is so important for us to be in fellowship with God's people (Hebrews 10:23-25). There's something lacking my life that you can help me fix. There's something lacking in your life that I can help you fix.

David's final instruction to Solomon was, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed. We as NT believers have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness. All that's left is for us to have a little bit of strength, a little bit of courage, a little bit of determination…enough to appropriate, to put to use, that which we have been given.

Aren't you glad the Lord didn't leave us "high and dry," but equipped us for the work He left us to do! Let's put the equipment to use and get busy building His church.

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