Solomon's Temple

Called Into Covenant With God

God's Covenant with David:

Samuel Anoints David King of Israel

1 Chronicles 22:6-10 The Message

5-6 David was thinking, “My son Solomon is too young to plan ahead for this. But the sanctuary that is to be built for God has to be the greatest, the talk of all the nations; so I’ll get the construction materials together.” That’s why David prepared this huge stockpile of building materials before he died. Then he called in Solomon, his son and commanded him to build a sanctuary for the God of Israel.
7-10 David said to Solomon, “I wanted in the worst way to build a sanctuary to honor my God. But God prevented me, saying, ‘You’ve killed too many people, fought too many wars. You are not the one to honor me by building a sanctuary—you’ve been responsible for too much killing, too much bloodshed. But you are going to have a son and he will be a quiet and peaceful man, and I will calm his enemies down on all sides. His very name will speak peace—that is, Solomon, which means Peace—and I’ll give peace and rest under his rule. He will be the one to build a sanctuary in my honor. He’ll be my royal adopted son and I’ll be his father, and I’ll make sure that the authority of his kingdom over Israel lasts forever.’

For Reflection
One must have great sympathy for David. He has fulfilled his role God's plan and has to give up his deepest dream. He now prepares for his son, Solomon to build the temple, a blessing that David has been denied.  David has prepared his son well for the task and has done much of the prep work.  But Solomon, not he, will be honored for building God's temple.

How have you felt when your dearest dream is denied? Would you be able to hand it over to someone else to finish? 

Pray
Pray that you will fulfill God's call and accept the limited role you are given as a blessing.  Pray for the grace to hand off God's blessing to others to complete their parts.  Pray that you will have no regrets in your service to the Lord.

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