If we could see all that the LORD is doing right now across the globe and throughout the universe, then we would spontaneously worship, just as the angels in heaven do. We have blinded ourselves with limited and pretend answers to how things work. It is as if we are given a delicious cake and all we appreciate is the fact that the flour and eggs were mixed with water and oil and flavors. We miss the who, we misunderstand the how, we ignore the why.
LORD, open our eyes to see you at work.
Some of the things described in this chapter would have been evident for every Israelite visiting the temple area: the massive size of the temple area, the intricately detailed workmanship. But some of the items would never be seen by the general public. Only in the historical records and in the imagination would these beautiful things be appreciated. The cost and beauty of these gifts were made to be appreciated by an audience of one.
You and I can have a Most Holy Place in our lives. We can spend precious time alone with the LORD, not for any other reason but to adore him. No one else need know about these times. They are for an audience of one.
LORD, thank you for making our private lives eternally significant.
Psalm 28
David dares to ask God to act justly and drag off his hypocritical enemies. But for himself, he pleas for mercy. When God grants him victory over his enemies, he praises God who has heard his pleas for mercy. Then he asks the LORD to turn that same favor toward his people, and to save and bless them, be their shepherd and carry them forever (8-9). These are not the words of a braggart, who thinks he deserves blessing. They are the words of a man who knows who God is, and understands grace.
LORD, give us your mercy, for your name’s sake.
The building projects imagined by David and launched by Solomon were more than just personal dreams. They were a political success because they solidified trade agreements between the nations. They were a social success because the provided employment for the resident aliens in the land without taking jobs or land from the Israelites. They were a means of worship because it was clear that it was the LORD’s greatness that was being proclaimed, not just that of the king. Not all of Solomon’s projects turned out to be win-win in the long run, but these did.
LORD, give us wisdom to use our strength to bring praise to your name.
This is a song of a man, and a people, who have many reasons to fear. However, they have one great reason not to fear: their relationship with the LORD. The evildoers, adversaries, foes, armies, war, day of trouble, and false witnesses who breath out violence – all will come. Bring it on. God is my light in dark times, my salvation in dangerous times.
LORD, teach us to trust in you as we wait for your deliverance.
The Bible contains many examples of Solomon’s wisdom, but the most important lesson anyone can learn about wisdom is what Solomon demonstrates here. James 1:5 instructs believers that they should ask for wisdom, and that is what Solomon did. The other blessings came to Solomon because he had the good sense to ask for good sense.
LORD, give us wisdom. May our choices honor you.
This is a prayer from a man who expect the God of justice to act, sweeping away sinners. Instead of asking God to prevent him from ever experiencing difficulty, David asks God to prove, try and test him (2). He wants the LORD to hold him accountable to the same standard that he uses to judge the unrighteous. How can he ask for that? He also asks God to redeem him and to be gracious (11). After grace has done its work, creating lives of innocence and devotion, the believer need not fear God’s holiness.
LORD, do your work in us, and we will never fear your judgment upon us.
After a 40 year reign, David dies “at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor (28). Most of us would settle for either one of those legacies. Which is the most important? Without honor, a long life is a sentence, and wealth becomes another master to enslave. With honor, long life is prolonged joy, and riches become the means to helping others.
LORD, give us lives full of honor.
The LORD who is a shepherd in psalm 23 is a friend in psalm 25. He is by David’s side to teach him the right way to go, to forgive and forget his sins, and to guard and deliver him from harm. In fact, the last verse implies that this friendship applies to the whole of Israel. The covenant is the testimony of that friendship. Those who put their faith in God have gained an eternal friend.
LORD, thank you for your friendship.
Freewill giving toward the temple construction was a privilege. Seeing how much had been given, both the king and the people burst forth in praise. It was a testimony of the power and presence of the LORD among all the tribes. Bear in mind that it had not been too many years since the nation of Israel was a ragtag group of oppressed and vulnerable peoples. God had not only restored their unity through the monarchy, he had also given them untold wealth. This is not a guarantee that every follower of God will become wealthy. It is a reminder that the one who decides our fate is free to bless us extravagantly. There are no restrictions to his generosity. Because that was true of the LORD, it could be true of the Israelites.
LORD, help us to get our eyes off of our present lack and remember your eternal abundance.
Psalm 29
2 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 2
Psalm 27
2 Chronicles 1
Psalm 26
1 Chronicles 29:22-30
Psalm 25
1 Chronicles 29:1-22
