Building the Temple

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
Cleansing the Temple

1 Chronicles 28:1-10

The Message

David's Valedictory Address

 ¹ David called together all the leaders of Israel—tribal administrators, heads of various governmental operations, military commanders and captains, stewards in charge of the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons—everyone who held responsible positions in the kingdom. ^2-7 King David stood tall and spoke: "Listen to me, my people: I fully intended to build a permanent structure for the Chest of the Covenant of God, God's footstool. But when I got ready to build it, God said to me, 'You may not build a house to honor me—you've done too much fighting—killed too many people.' God chose me out of my family to be king over Israel forever. First he chose Judah as the lead tribe, then he narrowed it down to my family, and finally he picked me from my father's sons, pleased to make me the king over all Israel. And then from all my sons—and God gave me many!—he chose my son Solomon to sit on the throne of God's rule over Israel. He went on to say, 'Your son Solomon will build my house and my courts: I have chosen him to be my royal adopted son; and I will be to him a father. I will guarantee that his kingdom will last if he continues to be as strong-minded in doing what I command and carrying out my decisions as he is doing now.'
 ⁸ "And now, in this public place, all Israel looking on and God listening in, as God's people, obey and study every last one of the commandments of your God so that you can make the most of living in this good land and pass it on intact to your children, insuring a good future.
 ^9-10 "And you, Solomon my son, get to know well your father's God; serve him with a whole heart and eager mind, for God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek him, he'll make sure you find him, but if you abandon him, he'll leave you for good. Look sharp now! God has chosen you to build his holy house. Be brave, determined! And do it!"

For Reflection 

David's parting words are intended to institutionalize the faith of Abraham by building a residing place for the symbol of Israel's faith in God.  It will become a public place where God's children can focus on Him. The temple becomes a physical presence for a spiritual center, not only of Israel's faith, but also of their governance.  David ensures the continuation of the faith by  selecting a successor, Solomon, and by charging him with the completion of the temple and the shepherding of God's people.

How do we today plan the succession of our spiritual leaders, both clergy and laity?  How do we ensure that the faith will be carried on beyond our mortality?  How do you ensure the continuation of our faith in your personal lives?

Pray

that you will be vigilant in your pursuit of the Holy Spirit.  Pray that you will foster a love of Christ and a obedient commitment to God that will live beyond your years.  Pray that the Spirit which resides in you is transparent to all with whom you come in contact.