You Will not be Disappointed

1st Chronicles 28

If we could pass on what we have learned in this life right now to someone younger than us, what would it be? My wife and I are getting ready to have our first child in about 10 weeks. The time is flying by and I know I need to be an example of our heavenly Father. I would tell her about all the pitfalls in life as well as the only way I could get past them is because of Christ. I would just pass who Jesus is and how important it is to follow after him.

In this chapter David gives instruction to Israel and to Solomon on their new tasks. He leaves them with encouraging words as well as warnings. We need to pray that we keep these truths to our heart as well.

To Israel (1-8)

David gathered all the officials of Jerusalem together. We need to look at this has one of his final acts as king. He wants to leave Israel with the point of everything he is doing. We just spent six chapters on the preparation of the temple. We know that God commanded David all these things (19). As David had the leaders together he gives them the task that was at hand, he was given the plans of the temple but not able to build it because of the blood that has been on his hand but that Solomon who was the anointed king would build the temple.

David spoke this so that the officials knew who was going to be king. He wanted these leaders to hold Solomon accountable as king. He tells them, “If Solomon continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today, then his kingdom will be established forever.” All the officials heard it and knew what was required, obedience to God.

To Solomon (9-21)

As David spoke to the whole council he then spoke directly to Solomon. I am sure he spoke not as a king to the next king but to a son he dearly loved. He spoke from his past failures as well as his devotion to God. David spoke as one with experience and knew he needed the Lord through everything. He told Solomon to serve God with a whole heart and with a willing mind (9). He also told him to be strong, courageous, and to do it (20). David also gave the warning to Solomon in verse 9 that if he did not serve God with a whole heart and swerved from his commands then he will cast him off forever.

The truth is we know what happens to Solomon, he had over 700 wives and 300 concubines. We know that he fell away from who God was and started to worship other gods. He allowed Israel to practice idolatry. We know that due to his failures the kingdom was split and then after that they both were taken captive by different nations.

A warning to us is given too. Many people try to say, “How close can I get to sin without actually sinning?” We need to have the attitude, “How far away from sin can I go?” When we push the line we start to compromise but when we become obedient to God we start to hate sin, just like he hates sin. Be strong and courageous and do it. You will not regret a life serving after God but you will regret a life of serving sin. Romans 10:11 tells us that we will not be disappointed for calling on the name of the Lord and that is so true. If anything we regret not doing it sooner, may we learn from this and serve the the Lord whole heartedly.