Chronicles Book — Bible Lesson 20.
Just for your thoughts.
1 Chronicles Book — Bible Lesson 20.
Chapter for Meditation: 22.
David had a deep desire to build the temple of the Lord.
For many years, the Ark of God had not been placed in the tabernacle, but David made every effort to bring it back to Jerusalem. He was extremely zealous to complete the building of God’s temple during his lifetime. But God did not permit him to do so.
Concerning this, God said to David:
“You have shed much blood and fought great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth in My sight.”
— 1 Chronicles 22:8
Not only that, but God also declared who should build the temple:
“Behold, a son shall be born to you; he shall be a man of peace. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name; he shall be My son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.”
— 1 Chronicles 22:10
These words signify that Solomon received the divine calling to build the temple. Following this, David blessed Solomon, saying
:
“My son, may the Lord be with you, and may you prosper and build the house of the Lord your God as He has said.
”
These words represent human expectations and blessings. However, that alone is not enough for the one who has received a calling from God. Even though a person may receive both the calling and the blessing of men, there is still something more he must do.
We hear that in David’s own wor
ds:
“Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and judgments which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel.”
— 1 Chronicles 22
:13
It is not enough for a person merely to receive a calling from God; he must also walk in the ways of the Lord, work diligently, and strive to fulfill His will.
Only then can a person successfully complete the ministry entrusted to him.
Here, I would like to recall Paul’s words:
“His grace toward me was not in vain; I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
— 1 Corinthians
15:10
A divine calling alone is not sufficient to fulfill the ministry. Obedience and diligent effort are equally essential.
The calling is 30%, while obedience and labor are 70%. This is the formula for success, whether the ministry is small or great.
We are called to complete whatever task comes into our hands wholeheartedly, without laziness, with determination and joy.
The lazy, the faithless, and those who seek human praise cannot progress in the path of ministry.
Every believer has some kind of ministry. Believers are called to understand their ministry and courageously invest their labor to accomplish God’s will. For every believer, God has granted grace to fulfill his or her calling.
We, as believers, must not waste that grace.