Give and Serve Willingly

O. T. #924  "Give and Serve Willingly"
Feb. 10, 2017
1 Chronicles 29


LET IT GLOW

David gathered together the leaders of his cabinet and Israel plus Solomon, his son. In the last chapter, (repetition helps us recall) David gave Solomon 6 principles to live by:

1. Get to know God personally.
2. Learn God's commands and discover what He wants you to do.
3. Worship God with wholehearted devotion. 
4. Serve God with a willing mind.
5. Be faithful.
6. Don't become discouraged. (Life Application Study Bible)

What an insight David had. He learned some life lessons the hard way. But, this man after God's own heart repented and got back on the right road, spiritually.

God had chosen Solomon to be Israel's next king, though he was young and inexperienced. (Commentaries say he could have been age 14-30, in reference to his being young.)

Instead of sulking in disappointment at a spoiled dream, David redirected his energies to a new vision, motivated to help his son.  (David Jeremiah)

In verses 3 and 4, we read how David gave over and beyond from his personal special treasury toward the Temple building-112 tons of gold, 260 tons of silver, and precious materials.
Gold of Ophir was the purest and finest in the world, according to MacArthur.

And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? (verse 5b)

The phase "to consecrate his service" literally means to fill his hands. It was a technical expression used for induction into the priestly office. David asked the assembly who would be as equally devoted as priests. (Falwell)

Did you notice that David did not ask his people to give what he himself was not willing to do? What about us? With what do we fill our hands? Is it for serving the Lord?


LET IT GROW

How did the leaders respond? They matched David's spirit of giving.
How did they give and why did they give? We see the answer, in the use of the word willingly six times (verses 6, 9, 9b, 14, 17, 17b).

They gave willingly, which means to impel; hence to volunteer (as a soldier); to present spontaneously-offer freely; be willing.

So the leaders gave freely and voluntarily and spontaneously on impulse. They were not made to do it, nor hit over the head if they didn't. These guys wanted to do it; give their part in supporting the building of the new Temple. And give they did.  They gave 187 tons of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron. This has been estimated to be billions of dollars.

Add that what to  David gave, no wonder the Temple was magnificent. Yet, the amount is not the important thing for us to focus on, but the why they gave. Next time we will look at why they gave.

You know what I'm going to ask, don't you friends? Do we give willingly, freely, and spontaneously when there is a need for kingdom work? Ouch. Stepped on my own toes.

LET IT GO

Give willingly.

Serve willingly and with a smile.