God’s giving enables our giving in everlasting relationship

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Big finish! I love how this account of music legend rock King David builds up through a huge overview of the nation to some surprisingly massive closing bangers. Yesterday’s picture of large-scale worship and ministry is added to by today’s, working outwards, of the handy gatekeeper muscle sourced from faithful Obed-Edom’s family, through the administrators of money and stuff, to the surrounding armies and tribes. This was no small movement.

Yet at its centre, David had a singular vision of God’s presence. I love how much he was prepared to move, calling in every favour and sparing no expense, to make a home for the ark of the covenant. I’m also amazed at how he was obedient to God’s leadership, knowing that he would never see the completion of the work he was so passionate about. What sustained David through all this effort, knowing he would have to hand over to others who would get the credit for completion?

Did you spot his shocking statement in chapter 28 verse 4? “God… chose me from my whole family to be king over Israel for ever.” He is what now? Some think this means he is a messiah yet to be reborn. But I think we’ve seen from the rest of this book that God made people to be more connected than we may think. We can’t help but see the strength of family bonds in God’s design for Israel, and I’m sure that when David accepted God’s promise of the throne forever, he knew his family line would make that reality.

So, as he handed the temple building project to his son Solomon, I expect David felt this was his work too. I love picturing his excitement at seeing these incredible gifts coming together, and how the “the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.”

But there is one more thing David says which I find utterly disarming and life-changing, especially when I think about how to give my time, talent or treasure to anything. It is his acknowledgement to God that “everything comes from you… we have given you only what comes from your hand.” This is a huge and vital admission. It’s the most important theme for this whole book, I think, to recognise God’s provision of everything we value. When I remember to apply that to my own time, relationships and materials, life makes sense!

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God wants us to know him as the source of everything we need and want, and as a loving Father who wants to see us grow and thrive in his family creative business. He also fulfils his promise to David for an everlasting kingdom to come through his family as Jesus is one of his descendants. Through him and the work he did for us on the cross, the Spirit which inspired David turns each of us into temples where he promises to live forever.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Thank God for his giving to me, not just of stuff but new life, relationships, love and other spiritual fruit which is worth more to me as help to be a husband and father than all the gold in the world.

Who am I going to share this with?

My family.