It is time! The day had come that David would hand over the throne of Israel to his son, Solomon, in all the sight of all Israel. And in the hearing of all Israel, David reminds the nation of the vision in his heart to build a house for the Lord God. Then he shares God’s promise and plans that it will be Solomon who builds the temple.

David then turns to commission his son and says (vs 9): ‘Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.’

Solomon has been chosen for a special task. It would be unimaginable if Solomon suddenly decided he would rather go travelling or have a quiet life on his own. Praise God he rose to the challenge, and accepted the commission given to him. Has a special call been put on your life? Have you pursued God’s call or hesitated? Maybe ask the Lord to stir up the call on your life again. Only you can fulfil the call of God for your life.

It says (vs 11) ‘Then David gave his son the plans…’ and such a detailed plan is given. Even down to the weight of gold for the forks! It brings to mind Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians when he said (3:9-13) ‘we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building…I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. No other foundation can anyone lay…which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire…’

Beloved, what are we using to build into our life? Into the lives of our family? Into the church fellowship? Into our community? It shall be tested, so God’s word tells us.

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Lord God, please pour out your grace for sound building in my life, in the lives of my family, and those around me. Please enable me to use that which is refined and enduring so that others will feel the benefit when the time of testing and fire comes. In Jesus name. Amen.