1 Chronicles 28:11-21 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof… David's heart was set on his son's successful discharge of the high mission to which God had called him. That nothing should be left undone, so far as he himself was concerned, he gave this inspiriting charge. It will suggest to us the constant condition of successful work in the kingdom of Christ. I. CARRYING OUT DIVINE DIRECTIONS. David formally entrusted to his son "the pattern of all that he had by the Spirit "(ver. 12) - " all that the Lord made him understand°" etc. (ver. 19); particulars of the temple furniture, which was to be made after the mind and according to the will of him who was to be worshipped in its "most holy-place." When we enter upon any great enterprise for God, whether we "arise and build," or whether we go forth and preach, or whether we organize and establish, we must seek to act according to Divine instructions. But we must not now look for patterns, but for principles. In our New Testament we have the broad principles of all holy action, of all Christian association, of all missionary enterprise. These are not far from sight, and if we honestly and earnestly seek them, we shall find them and may apply them. II. GAINING DIVINE HELP. "The Lord God will be with thee... he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (ver. 20). If we proceed in a devoted and prayerful spirit, we may claim these words as applicable to ourselves. We want, and can secure: 1. The inspiration which will prompt us to faithful work. 2. The effectuating power which will make our work succeed and endure. 3. The upholding grace which will carry us through all difficulties to the end. III. SECURING HUMAN CO-OPERATION. Solomon would receive (1) help in material from the rich stores of his father (vers. 13-18); (2) the sympathy and assistance of (a) priests and Levites, (b) skilful workmen, (c) the people generally, from the prince to the peasant (ver. 21). We must not aspire to do God's work alone; it is in every way better that we should share the privilege and the responsibility with others. It is so for our own sake, for theirs, and also for the sake of the more perfect accomplishment of the work itself. We may ask and accept aid in material and in men; from those whose special function it is to render service in sacred things ("priests and Levites"), and those who are not thus professionally obligated; from those who are "skilful" as well as "willing" (ver. 20), and from those who are willing but have skill to acquire, who will gain something of skilfulness in Christian work by taking a humble part in the work in hand; from those who are "princes" in social station and religious reputation, and from those who only belong to the "common people;" from all who are willing, and who will act, and thus learn to act more perfectly. IV. MAINTAINING OUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH. "Be strong and of good courage" (ver. 20). We want the strength which accompanies courage. Timidity is weak; fearlessness is strong. And courage is not merely a matter of strong nerves; when of the noblest order, it is the outcome of spiritual excellency; it is the fruit of faith in God. "Be strong and of good courage" means this: maintain your integrity before God; abide in Jesus Christ, that his Spirit may abide in you (John 15:4); nourish the sustaining assurance that God is with you, to befriend and inspire you; go forth and hold on in the strength of the Strong and in the wisdom of the Wise, and you will not fail nor be discouraged. "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength," etc. (Isaiah 40:31). - C. Parallel Verses KJV: Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, |
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