April 20, 2025 - 1 Chronicles 22-25

David did not get to build the temple, that work fell to his son, Solomon.  However, David was able to look ahead and prepare for the work.  David said, “’Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.’  So David provided materials in great quantity before his death” (22:5).  A thought occurs to me.  All of us have different roles to play in life and in the kingdom of God.  We have different gifts, abilities, and callings.  This reality plays itself out in missions.  Some will be great prayer warriors (though, all should pray).  Some will be able to give great amounts of financial support for the work (though, all should give as able).  Some will be effective mobilizers (though, all should be encouragers).  And some will go.  As in gospel work, we are all part of the same enterprise.  Hear Paul:  “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. . . . He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers”  (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).  Let us always strive to be faithful in the work God has given us.

To the work! to the work! we are servants of God,

Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;

With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,

Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

Toiling on, toiling on,

Toiling on, toiling on:

Let us hope, let us watch,

And labor till the Master comes.   –Fanny Crosby (1872)