PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Chronicles 22-23
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace.” (1 Chronicles 22:9)
In Hebrew ‘Solomon’ sounds like the word for peace; he was their prince of peace.
For the people of Israel, this hope has kept them going through the centuries.
When this book was written, they were still under foreign rule and did not have peace.
One day a son of David would come to give them rest from their enemies.
He would establish God’s house (presence) in the land – God would be with them.
In that house the praise of God would never end (ch.23:30, the levites’ daily praise).
There would be peace, no more war or bloodshed or injustice or sickness or tears.
As followers of Jesus, we cling to this hope as well.
We understand them more broadly, and not tied to a specific building, people or land.
But we believe Jesus is the prince of peace who has given us rest from our enemies.
He has established God’s family (house), and made us to be priests forever.
We can be like Solomon, bringers of the peace of Jesus who lives in our hearts!
Am I experiencing this peace deep within the temple my heart, God’s house?
Am I a peacemaker, and do others experience the peace of Jesus when they meet me?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to experience this peace inside of me, and help me to spread this peace everyday and everywhere, so that more and more people experience your peace!
Last will and legacy – David expresses his heart’s desire and urges his people to provide for the building of a very impressive temple – then he urges Solomon to “Be strong and courageous” – much like the words the Lord said to Joshua as he was getting ready to cross the Jordan to the promised land. David that the prep work for Solomon and he also ordered the priesthood and the Levites for the temple service. Solomon had a great start and the people were totally behind him. Makes me think what am I doing – to build for the Lord – temples? I should do my part so that more people may know about Jesus to become temples of the living God! Even the small things we can do -can bring about change in someone’s heart. Lord help me to be open to your leading!
Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord. Where will I meet the Lord this day? At the end of the day, where dd I see God? I am always in His presence and working in His kingdom. Do I see His leading and guiding me in all I do and say? Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me as I live for Him. All for Jesus.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
For it’s only in your will that I am free
For it’s only in your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be