Scripture:

David said to Solomon, ‘I wanted in the worst way to build a sanctuary to honor my God. But God prevented me, saying, ‘You’ve killed too many people, fought too many wars. You are not the one to honor me by building a sanctuary—you’ve been responsible for too much killing, too much bloodshed. But you are going to have a son and he will be a quiet and peaceful man, and I will calm his enemies down on all sides. His very name will speak peace—that is, Solomon, which means Peace—and I’ll give peace and rest under his rule. He will be the one to build a sanctuary in my honor. He’ll be my royal adopted son and I’ll be his father; and I’ll make sure that the authority of his kingdom over Israel lasts forever.’

‘So now, son, God be with you. God-speed as you build the sanctuary for your God, the job God has given you. And may God also give you discernment and understanding when he puts you in charge of Israel so that you will rule in reverent obedience under God’s Revelation. That’s what will make you successful, following the directions and doing the things that God commanded Moses for Israel. Courage! Take charge! Don’t be timid; don’t hold back. Look at this—I’ve gone to a lot of trouble to stockpile materials for the sanctuary of God: a hundred thousand talents (3,775 tons) of gold, a million talents (37,750 tons) of silver, tons of bronze and iron—too much to weigh—and all this timber and stone. And you’re free to add more. And workers both plentiful and prepared: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, artisans in gold and silver, bronze and iron. You’re all set—get to work! And God-speed!’

David gave orders to all of Israel’s leaders to help his son Solomon, saying, ‘Isn’t it obvious that your God is present with you; that he has given you peaceful relations with everyone around? My part in this was to put down the enemies, subdue the land to God and his people; your part is to give yourselves, heart and soul, to praying to your God’.” 1 Chronicles 22:7-19a (MSG)

Perspective:

Most people desire to make a name for themselves. They want to be recognized for their accomplishments, contributions, and successes. It is human nature to desire recognition in the “here and now.”  Many times, we don’t give much thought to what will be remembered about us after we are gone. How will people remember you, and what legacy will you leave?

As King David approached the end of his life, he turned the nation of Israel over to his son, Solomon.  As he was passing the baton off to Solomon, he had very important and specific instructions for him. It had always been in David’s heart to build a Temple for God.  Just because it was in his heart didn’t mean that he would see it come to fruition in his lifetime.  Because David was a warrior, God did not want him building the Temple with blood on his hands. In accordance with God’s direction, the thing that God put in his heart to do was passed on to his son. However, David did not sit back and do nothing. He actively engaged in paving the way for Solomon. He collected resources for Solomon to do the work. David did not leave Solomon empty-handed with a monumental project to accomplish. David did everything in his power to prepare the way so that Solomon would be equipped to fulfill his destiny. David understood that he had an opportunity to participate in the purposes of God by doing his part and that Solomon would come behind him and build upon what he started to gather. As Solomon began building the Temple, he probably looked around at the artisans who were ready to do the work and remembered his father. The contribution that David made into Solomon’s life was farther reaching than the duration of David’s life. Do the investments you make in other people reach farther than just your life?  We plan many things in life, such as where we will go to school, who to marry, and how to save for retirement. But, few people are intentional about the legacy they are leaving behind.  You might not be passing off a project to one of your children when you die, but you might be leaving them with the resources to raise a family that honors God.  Unfortunately, many people are just remembered through their lifetime.  The crowds celebrate their accomplishments and applaud their successes. Fewer people take the time to invest their life and resources into people that will outlive you. How do you want to be remembered? Because on this side of eternity, we still have the opportunity to intentionally invest our lives to create a lasting legacy.

Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002.  Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.


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