READING: 1 Chronicles 29:1-22, 1 Kings 1:1-53
Listen to the giving spirit of the people of God as they prepared to build the temple. King David gave all of his “own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction” (1 Chron 29:3). When he called the people to follow his example, “the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly” (1 Chron 29:6). The people, in fact, “rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord” (1 Chron 29:9). They gave out of God’s blessings to them “willingly and joyously” (1 Chron 29:17). It’s not a surprise, then, that David was filled with joy when the people gave as they did!
Why did they give that way? Because they wanted to bring honor to God’s glorious name. Because they knew that God had first given them anything they had. Because they knew they were only sojourners whose days were like a “passing shadow” (1 Chron 29:15). Because they knew that everything belongs to God. Because God was their God and the God of their ancestors.
Needless to say, we ought to give to God and His work for the same reasons. Any wealth we have comes from Him—and we give it back to Him for His glory.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you give willingly and sacrificially to God and His work?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father, help me to give this way—even to give more sacrificially if needed.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 2:1-9, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, 1 Kings 2:10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:26-30, Psalms 4–6, Psalms 8–9, 11
