Giving and the Results
In 1 Chronicles 29, David, the king of Israel, is letting his people know about the fact that God has chosen Solomon to succeed him as king and Solomon was to build a temple for the name of the LORD.
Here is where it became interesting for me. King David stored up all of the articles that had been taken from the battles that the LORD had brought him through victoriously. He names them off with some detail and they are listed in the Bible as resources he (David) has provided (vs2). He could have stopped there, but he then goes on to say that he is giving all of his personal treasures for the temple and then challenges others saying "Who is willing to consecrate himself before the Lord?"
In the Oxford dictionary, it gives the definition of consecrate as "(1.) to declare sacred" or "(2.) to devote to." Either of these apply but I like the second better. It reminds me that it isn’t a one time thing, but a commitment.
In those times the riches of the father were passed to the sons and the riches of the kingdom were to be passed to the next king to be used to take care of the kingdom. Instead, it was freely given for God's purpose. After all, God had provided, protected and grown His kingdom through David.
This passage shows ultimate commitment and ultimate faith on God's ability to take care of them. It showed the importance of completing a plan set by God and relayed through God's chosen with no compromise.
Under anyone else's rule, some funds would be set aside, as long as it didn’t interfere with the comfort of everyday life, and a temple, of some kind, would be built for the name of the LORD. Under the guidance of God seeking people, following a plan set by God, it was a temple that became one of the wonders of the world.
When we give, are we holding back for comfort or are we giving fully to God with our resources. This means giving our time (so God can use us in His kingdom) along with our monetary wealth (so God can use it in His kingdom). Allot of times we give ourselves and our resources (provided by God) as a piece of the pie (to God) that we are using, cutting and placing where we feel needed or best used, deciding whether we want to give that much or to that specific thing. Try placing the pie in front of God and see what God gives you back for you to use. After all, He provided it. David was not a poor man and neither was Solomon. Being guided by God means he runs the show. Dedication means full effort. Rewards in heaven are imminent. What are you prepared to do? We are not alone.
Created over 2 years ago
