April 23, 2026 - 1 Chronicles 25-29

David did not get to build the temple but he sure played an important part in preparing for its building and use.  Not only did he gather materials, he did a lot of organizing for the temple and national life:  the musicians, the divisions of gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials, military divisions, and tribal leaders.  Perhaps most importantly of all, David charged, first, the people of Israel and, then, Solomon, his son.  To the people:  “In the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever” (28:8).  To Solomon:  “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever” (28:9).  All this serves as a call to faithfulness and a reminder that each of us has his or her own role to play in the work of the kingdom.  I remember Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians, which serves us well, also:  “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives 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. You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).

On what has now been sown

your blessing, Lord, bestow;

the pow’r is yours alone

to make it spring and grow.

O Lord, in grace the harvest raise

and you alone shall have the praise!   --John Newton (1779)