Take Two: 1 Chronicles 29, Proverbs 8

In this final chapter of 1 Chronicles, two things emerge as interesting to me. The second (yes, I know it is out of order) is the anointing of Solomon a second time as detailed in v.22. J.A. Thompson speaks to this from the New American Commentary (NAC):

The suggestion that this acknowledgment of Solomon took place a second time raises a question. The phrase “a second time” is lacking in the LXX and is omitted by some commentators as a gloss. But it is a true statement of the facts. In a time of uncertainty, when the rebel Adonijah was trying to usurp David’s throne by a great display of religious fervor and the offering of sacrifices (1 Kgs 1:9), Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the army commander with David’s permission anointed Solomon king (1 Kgs 1:32–40). But that anointing was a hurried and semiprivate arrangement lacking the pomp and ceremony of a great national occasion. Hence Solomon had to be anointed a second time with proper solemnity and appropriate religious decorum. Assuming that the phrase is original, it shows that the Chronicler, while focusing on the successful transference of the throne to God’s chosen “man of peace,” was not unaware of the conflict surrounding Solomon’s accession. At the same time, Zadok was acknowledged as high priest.

The attention to detail in a book like this…a “purposeful compilation” speaks to me of the author’s desire to precisely present the facts.

The first observation…and what I pondered for the greatest period of time this morning was the giving of gifts to the Temple building project.

A couple of observations:

• First, David as leader publicly led the way of supporting the building project. He not only spoke of how he had amassed resources, but gave personally and publicly in a statement of commitment, affirmation, and sacrifice. (vv.3-5).  [Leaders must lead].
• Second, the people gave sacrificially…to the Lord and not to David or David’s project (v.9). David challenged them to consecrate themselves to the Lord and that required NECESSARILY a sacrificial gift. [POINT: It is inconsistent to say we are set apart to God and not sacrifice for God's glory in the expansion of His Kingdom. In fact, if one says they are saved by grace and they do not sacrificially give...while knowing that this is required of God's people...a serious disconnect exists and ones relationship with God comes into question].
• Third, David acknowledges on behalf of the people that all that is sacrificed is actually what God has provided to and through His own people. The people were channels of resources but God is the source (vv.14-17) [Nothing is our own, but we manage God's resources].
• Fourth, while God is the source, the willingness to give on the part fo the people is part of the act of worship. Had their giving not been willingly…the worship would be non-existent [Giving is a worship issue and a matter of the heart. Capture the heart and giving comes naturally].
• Fifth, David’s prayer included a request that God solidify the intentions of the people that day in their heart. IOW…give them a sense of pride, ownership, and joy in their giving to the Lord. This is important. God is the provider through His people…but the generosity of the people lends to a sense of pride and ownership in knowing that they were part of something great. [People give to something great. They should never give to become known as "great" themselves, but it is good (and not bad) to be part of something incredible for the glory of God].

And David dies an old and blessed man (v.28). His life is recorded in the chronicles and from them, we learn his victories, failures, and of His restoration and usefulness in the plan of God.  

Proverbs 8:23 is the takeaway today. “From everlasting I [wisdom] was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.” [Wisdom is not response to the circumstances of life in this world...it is the predetermined plan of God. God's wisdom pre-exists Creation. Applying His truth to the circumstances of this world is the application of wisdom and in doing so, we live wisely. There is no wise living apart from godly living.]

Tomorrow we continue on with the second part of Chronicles in 2 Chronicles. See you there.

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 28, Proverbs 7

In this chapter, David begins the transition of the government to Solomon before the people. He reveals that while had been his intention to build a Temple for the Ark, God had prevented it…since David was a man of bloodshed (v.3).

David did amass the material and record the plans (vv.11-19)…and gave them to Solomon… who was God’s appointed successor to David.

David offers instruction (advice) to his son regarding the key to success as God’s appointed leader: Know God, serve Him without reservation, and have a willing mind (v.9). David revealed to Solomon that God would reveal Himself and His will to Solomon if Solomon would earnestly seek. Further, God would judge Solomon by his deeds and by the spirit in which he did them. All of this is important. One cannot gain the favor of God acting without a willing mind. One cannot fully please God by being willing in the mind but serving with reservation. Both are required.

The picture given is of a servant who is “radically committed” to the Kingdom of God and puts his all into seeing it come to pass in its fullest expression.

In his closing comments int he chapter, David then exhorts Solomon to act with courage…knowing that God and the people are with him (vv.20-21). With all of the willingness of mind and unreserved service…one must still be courageous in the initiative to act.

I remember many years ago being told by a friend to invest in a particular company by purchasing stock shares at $4. I had an investment desire and the company was within the scope of my strategy. The prospects for the company looked good…but they did not have the “flash” of some others. I hesitated. My friend did not. I bought into the company several years and four stock splits later at more than $30/share. (If you understand stock you know that my friend has a cost basis of about $.50 and mine is over $30.) My lack of courage cost me severely.

APPLIED: What is it God has called you to do? Are you willing in mind? Will you serve with all of your heart and being? Finally…are you courageous enough to just accept God at His Word and trust in His promises? Three “yes” answers is the ultimate “trifecta” and unlocks the Kingdom!

Proverbs 7:3 is the takeaway today. Regarding the wise words of the writer, “bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart.” [Live according to the wisdom of God as the law of your heart, and the guide and motive for your every action.]

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 27, Proverbs 6

In this chapter, we find more details about the structure of David’s administration. We may read it and decide that it has no profit for us; however, it is Scripture and is divinely inspired and preserved. As we ask, “why,” I think we can draw on some of our previous conclusions.

First, God is a God of order. For David to oversee a nation the size of Israel, he could not do it alone. God appointed David as king, but He did not intend for David to be the sole laborer or primary arbiter.

Second, those around David…who were entrusted with responsibility were loyal to David. They were tested and proven. He chose them and trusted them to act on his behalf.

Third, the different parts fo the nation did not operate autonomously. To think that the tribe of Manasseh (or any other part) was autonomous…and could choose which parts fo the national structure it wanted to participate in…is absurd.

Fourth, David was ultimately responsible for everything that occurred in the kingdom. He was not the chief actor in every action…but he was responsible. If someone acted corruptly…David would be judged not on the commission of the act but on his response to the corruption. (Hence the need for good and loyal people to oversee lesser aspects fo the kingdom).

Fifth, every role in the kingdom was appointed and important. One should not think that Jashobeam (v.2) is more important in the kingdom than Jehiel (v.32). Both had a role…and both roles were necessary and essential.

APPLIED: As we look at the principles…and we apply them to our culture…to the administration of the “church” as a local body…we must know that every healthy body has parts and it has an overseer. No small group exists unto itself. No family exists as more important than any other. No staff member is more important than anyone on the grounds maintenance or coffee service teams. Each has a role. Healthy “body life” requires loyalty to one another and submission to lawful authority in the structure.

I recently had the opportunity to do leadership training for high school students in Army Junior ROTC. In speaking with the junior leaders, I reminded them of their role in the overall organization. No platoon leader wants to lead a platoon where every squad leader is a “toss up” as to whether he will be loyal and carry out instructions. However, the squad leaders learn “submission” as they see it applied in the junior leader’s submission to his company or battalion leadership. It is EASY to critique the battalion commander for lack of organization or poor leadership style…but if you’re not sitting in his seat…with his responsibility…you may not be the best person to judge him. (Truth is…everyone thinks they can do better, give a better answer, or operate more efficiently until they are in the role and all eyes are suddenly on them. Then…perspective often changes and criticism seems to subside.)

Proverbs 6:30-31 is the takeaway today. “Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry; but when he is found, he must repay sevenfold; he must give all the substance of his house.”

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 26, Proverbs 4

In this chapter, we find the narrative concerning the organization of gatekeepers, keepers of the treasury and those who served away from the Temple with responsibilities as judges of matters pertaining to “God and the king” (v.32).

Again we see the selection by lot and also by genealogy. Those of family descent were investigated for character and placed in positions of trust (v.31).

Nothing is happenstance with God. He is orderly and just. He is also Sovereign and in control.

Proverbs 4:14-16 is the takeaway today (since I jumped ahead to Prov 5 in error yesterday.) “Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.”

The influence of others in our lives is strong. We want to say that we are stronger. We desire to claim that we are above “peer pressure.” However, the Word of God teaches us to “flee from sin.” We are taught to view sinners as those who are in need of Jesus…meanign that our unapologetic goal for them is for them to yield control of their lives to Jesus. Are we trying to change them? YES. Anything less lacks the love of God. We want those at enmity with God to be reconciled.

We are told to avoid them for fellowship because they, by nature, are intent to draw us away from God. They want us with them. If we think that the unsaved simply want to co-exist…we misunderstand the nature of human relationships and the waywardness of human nature.

If God is wise enough to tell us to avoid these relationships (apart from intentional relational evangelism) should we think that we are strong enough to succeed apart from Him and His instruction? Sure…we may survive an encounter or even a couple of them…but we will not be victorious in the end. Because of this…He instructs us to avoid entanglements that will draw us away from abundant life.

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 25, Proverbs 5

Once again we see the choosing and assigning of families and clans to responsibilities in the Temple. All of these servants were assigned to duties by birth and by the cast of lots.

Particularly intriguing is the presentation of music as prophesying before the Lord. It is unclear exactly what the nature of this prophecy is, but it certainly involves hearing from God through the music and responding to Him musically.

(I know…sounds like a preacher’s bias here…not giving credit to music. That is not the case. These verses catch my attention because…in a prominent way, God reveals and we respond through music.)

Often times…some think music has no power. “I can listen to what I want and it doesn’t affect me.” Or…”I don’t ‘get’ anything out of the music I hear.” Music is not only a normative method of worship, it is also a distinct and powerful way that God speaks to His people.

One last observation: Consider the amount of detail that the writer gives to the Temple worship structure, practices, and people. Comparatively speaking…more emphasis is given here…than to entire lines of kings. (Just a thought…about priorities from God’s perspective.)

Proverbs 5:14 is the takeaway today. [Yes, I got ahead of myself] The naive one speaks after being drawn toward foolishness. He speaks of his situation and the danger of his life. “I was almost in utter ruin in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

Among God’s people…this one was almost ruined. He was in the assembly, in the congregation…but nearly destroyed. How? By being part fo the crowd and not the “core.” No accountability. No feedback loop. No environment for Q and A and for determining how the Word of God applies to life where he is living. When temptation came, he was drawn away.

APPLIED: I think it would be interesting and frightful to study those who “fall away” from the practice of their faith and those who…while professing to be Christians…fall into temptation and sin. I would postulate that neither are deeply connected in a small community of believers who they fellowship with, share life with, interact with, and exchange questions with. The Christian life MUST BE more than a corporate assembly. It must comprise Christians “doing LIFE together.” If Sunday is our only Christian fellowship exercise during the week…we are simply waiting to be drawn away and destroyed. The Bible becomes real in the small group. Its applied in the small group. We can learn truth in the large assembly, but if we don’t “unpack” it somewhere…we will lose it.

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 24, Proverbs 3

From our perspective, thousands of years past the events, a chapter regarding “how” the tribe of Levites were divided for Temple service is a “snoozer.” We look for deeper truths…more “relevant” instruction and meaning. However, we ought to bear in mind that God could have preserved any part of Israel’s history He desired (in fact He did). Why this part?

Remember that the Chronicles are a purposeful compilation…they do not cover every aspect of Israel’s history…but what is compiled serves a purpose. The writer’s purpose here is to show how the divisions of priests/Levites/workers in the Temple were determined.

In v.5, 7, et.al. we see that the action was decided by casting lots. This clearly is intended to point tot he fact that those who served (and when they served) was determined and revealed by God Himself. Proverbs 16:33 states:

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

This is important as we move forward in the process…because we understand that God is responsible even for “who is on duty and when” in the Temple. So…fast forward to the NT.

Luke 1:8–9 (NAS)

⁸Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,

⁹according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

Here, Zacharias (father to John the baptizer) finds himself in the Temple according to the lot because his division was selected by lot thousands of years before to be there. (Understand that this is two separate decisions by lot). He is given the prophetic word that his son would be the forerunner to the Christ (Luke 1:17).

I could go on and on about this (from selecting Apostles- Acts 1:23-26; to the calling of pastors and assigning them specific ministry assignments {place,time, location} as in Acts 16:6-10)…but the issue is God’s sovereign control of the universe. If He able to arrange a duty roster thousands of years in advance and control the outcome of the casting of lots…HOW MUCH MORE can he handle the things that vex us in our spirit today?

What worries you? What keeps you up at night? Is it wondering if God is in control? I believe that real peace comes when we realize that God is in control and we simply seek to know and do His will step by step, moment by moment, and day by day.

Proverbs 3:19-20 is the takeaway today. “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew.”

(If God can establish at that is…and even controls how it continues to exist…what part of our life is beyond His ability or concern?)

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 23, Proverbs 2

The Chronicler moves the narrative along to the transition of the kingdom to Solomon. Essentially no attention is given to the political considerations of the process. The focus is on the Temple and the worship practices there.

38,000 men were assigned to work in the Temple ministry…to assist the priests in the work of ministry before God.

Two thoughts stand out this morning. First…the work of the ministry is organized and intentional. The workers had roles and they were distinct but complementary. Without a doubt, each person knew his own responsibilities and when performed…his contribution to the overall ministry was immense.

APPLIED: The Body of Christ (the church) works the same way. Each person has a different role. Not everyone does their part and not everyone has the same role…but when the workers each fulfill the role to which God assigns them, the Body works well.

The second idea that leaps off the pages to me is the fact pertaining to the significance of worship. 38,000 men is an immense amount of resources to be dedicated to worship. In our efficient cultural context today…we see this as extravagant. We think…what is the point of allocating so many people to “religious worship?” The point is…it speaks of the value that a people have for God (not the religious workers).

I have often said (though I am not the first to say it) that you can tell a lot about what is important to a person by looking at their “checkbook” and their “calendar.” In fact, these two items tell us more about importance than our words. 80% of Americans claim to be “Christian.” That being said…the definition used is not a pure one. To be a Christian is to identify oneself as a fully devoted follower of Christ…a Christ-follower. Christianity is the life/lifestyle of a disciple. Yet, most who identify themselves as Christians would have to admit that other things get greater importance in their lives than religious attention… activities like worship, service, spiritual growth, etc. To look at most calendars…I suspect that more time is devoted to television than worship.

We make value statements in every action. When we choose to go to baseball 3 days a week for practice and church once every 2 weeks, we demonstrate a 500% greater value on baseball than on God. (Before you click out of the article…consider it deeply). If we spend more time gathering for ourselves (whatever one gathers) than in giving to others…then we demonstrate a value judgment. If we spend more money on a car payment than carrying the gospel and aid to those who need it…we communicate a value.

REFLECTION: Do my actions effectively communicate the values that I profess? Do I spend more time in fellowship with Christians or in sharing the gospel with those who have yet to know Christ? Do I invest God’s resources (financial resources) which He has entrusted to me in a manner that communicates what He values?

Proverbs 2:20 is the takeaway today. By adhering to the wisdom of God, “So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.”

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 22, Proverbs 1

In this chapter regarding the construction fo the Temple, two features jump out TO ME today. First, the work of the Lord is to be done in His timing and in His way. David was prepared to construct the Temple, but God stopped him. David was a man after God’s heart…not perfect…but a man who loved God…yet God chose to use David’s son to build the Temple.

Put yourself in David’s position. You have done your best (relatively speaking) to honor God and follow His will for your life. The lands you conquered and the enemies you killed…were in the Name of God and for His glory and by His power. You set your mind to building the Temple and God stops you…telling you that He will use your son and not you…because you have shed much blood. [How might you question the Lord? How might you justify your actions? How might you respond? It seems to me that David's response is powerful and instructive for us today. I think I might have argued a bit. I might have decided that I knew the will of God better than the prophet who spoke...after all, he is a man like me and could be mistaken. Had I acted, I would have missed God.]

The point being…God is Sovereign. If He chooses to act in a particular way, He has the RIGHT to do so as God and He always does what is BEST in every situation. Any action that differs from God’s instruction is ALWAYS less perfect than God’s plan.

So David commissions Solomon to build a glorious Temple to the Lord. He secures material and cooperation among the heads fo the tribes. He also reminds Solomon (my second observation) that by observing the Lord’s instruction, Solomon will experience the blessings of God (vv.11-13).

APPLIED: We expend a great amount of energy trying to understand the “deep things” of God and to search out the “deep truths” of God’s will. Perhaps we should ask God to help us discern and accept what He sends our way. Further, maybe we should simply accept the fact that if we will follow God’s instructions as He has given them to us in His Word…we will prosper. Arguing within ourselves about whether we should “witness” or if God really needs us to share in order for people to be saved…or whether the Law of “tithing” is still applicable…simply is a delay tactic the enemy uses to keep us from obedience and thus from “abundant life” (John 10:10).

Success in the Christian life is simply but not necessarily easy.

David obeyed…because it was the will of God. He did so, because he sought…not land or money or people…but the GLORY of God. The shepherd boy realized and applied what John Piper said so well,

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

Proverbs 1:23 is the takeaway today. [Wisdom personified] speaks and says to the naive one, “Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 21, Proverbs 28

This chapter moves quickly with several dominant ideas. First…David succombed to temptation from Satan to number (conduct a census) of the people without God’s command. You only find three references to the person of Satan overtly speaking in the OT. David instructed Joab (commander of the armies) to conduct the census (vv.4-6).

God’s displeasure is seen in the next verses where David is told to choose his own punishment. David, greatly distressed, falls before God and trusts in God’s mercy. (Notice that he relied on the character of God to be merciful more than the actions of men who would ravage them. What’s interesting here is that David had proven himself very successful at defeating his enemies. Yet, he relied on God’s mercy rather than his own ability in this instance.)

God’s mercy is displayed in its full glory in vv.14-16. Picture looking up and seeing the angel poised with sword drawn over Jerusalem and God’s command holding him back.

David again cries out and accepts responsibility for his actions and God instructs him (through the prophet) to build an altar.

[NOTE: This next story connects the narrative and explains why the altar was moved from Gibeon to Jerusalem. This is a major factor consideration.]

David goes to Ornan to purchase a place to sacrifice to God for his sins. Ornan offers to give the land and the sacrifice (not too unusual of a response to the king), but David refuses (vv.22-25). David refused to offer a sacrifice (worship) to God that did not cost him anything.

THAT IS HUGE! Worship is not given from the fringes of our lives. It does not come from the surplus or excess. It is costly. [When I think back to the times that I would participate in a worship service without my whole heart engaged or when I would give an offering according to what I could afford...rather than according to what God is worth...I have to hang my head low.] God is entitled to everything…not just a portion of my leftovers. I should be as excited and charged up about worshipping him as I am about my favorite forms of entertainment! I should give extravagantly to Him based on who He is…not based on how I perceive my circumstances or abilities. To do anything less…is to commit the sin that Ornan tempted David with. To worship God in a manner that does not cost me anything.

David fully repented of his sin. We know this because God accepted his worship (vv.26-27). He repented before God because it was God that David offended. Certainly 70,000 people were killed (v.14), but it was God who was offended. God also fully forgave and restored. It is amazing to think that we serve a God that fully restores. We serve a God whose mercy is boundless. We serve a God whose character is such that we can and must throw ourselves before Him and rely only on His mercy in our lives.

Proverbs 28:10 is the takeaway today. “He who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.”

Take Two: 1 Chronicles 20, Proverbs 27

The eight verses of this chapter summarize some very important events in the life of Israel. V.1 mentions the time when David stayed behind rather than going to war as kings were supposed to do. In the cultural context, kingdoms grew by war with other kingdoms. In the spring, kings would lead their troops to battle and fight. David had experienced sufficient victory in the past, that he sent Joab to fight while he stayed behind.

This led to the sin and the suffering regarding Bathsheba (See 2 Samuel 11- 12).

What should not be overlooked is the fact that battles continued to be won, business went on as usual and David was still king.

POINT: There is often a delay between the time of our disobedience and our downfall. We may choose to ignore God now and the results of it not show up for days, weeks, or years. (I know of a church that acted corruptly…and continued on for decades before someone pointed out that there had been “no real power in the church since the time of the corruption.” Others argued that there had been…but what they meant was…we have continued on with church all of these years. “If you were right…how could we do that?”

POINT: The fact that we can continue to conduct business does not mean we do so with power or blessing. (Notice the temptation of Eve in Genesis 3.) “You surely will not die (today…physically) but…you will know the difference between good and evil.”

The second thought that struck me today was the fact that “every giant has a brother.” (vv.5-8). Just because you slay one of the giants in your path…doesn’t mean trouble is over. Life is an ongoing battle for the territory God has for us. We don’t war for land today…but we do battle for the heart…for commitment and dedication of our hearts to Him who deserves preeminence in all things in our lives. Killing one giant, just agitates and reveals the next giant.

We can learn though (as I re-read this morning) that victory over the giants in our lives is about letting God slay them through our yieldedness and willingness to be used by Him. God doesn’t take away unbiblical temptations. He gives us victory over and escape routes from temptation…so that when we take them, we experience victory. Not because we are so “cool,” but because He worked in and through us to bring about the victory. (1 Cor 10:13).

Proverbs 27:14 is the takeaway today. (Still love that Pete Wilbanks, my friend and former professor, showed me the value of the Proverbs with this particular proverb many years ago). “He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.” [A blessing is good, and to bless someone is good…but you can do a good thing at the wrong time…and its value be lost completely. It is good to “bail out” others who are in trouble…but in God’s timing; otherwise, the act of helping them may actually hurt them rather than help.