Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due.

1 Chronicles 18

So the LORD gave David victory wherever he went. ­– 1 Chronicles 18:6 NLT

David subdued and humbled…

David also conquered…

David destroyed…

David captured…

David killed…

David brought…

David dedicated…

David reigned…

At first blush, it would appear that this chapter is all about David. After all, his name is mentioned 16 times, so it would seem that he is the focus of the chapter. And in a way, he is. But there is one other character who plays an even more significant role in the story being told here. And that would be God. Without Him, none of David's exploits would have been possible. Without God, David would not even be the king of Israel. His presence in this story is what sets the reign of David apart from that of Saul and every other king who had ever ruled over a nation. The chronicler makes it clear: "So the LORD gave David victory wherever he went" (1 Chronicles 18:6 NLT). God gave the victory. David got the credit. He got to enjoy the thrill of the victory. He got to experience the rush of winning a decisive battle and watching the enemies of Israel cower at his feet. He got to see his royal coffers overflow with the plunder of each successive victory. But without God, none of it would have been possible. When David's army defeated the Moabites, the chronicler wrote, "This was another example of how the LORD made David victorious wherever he went" (1 Chronicles 18:13 NLT).

God is the behind-the-scenes star of this story. He always is. We may not see Him, but He is always there. David was God's man. He had chosen him to be king. He had anointed David as Saul's replacement and now that David was on the throne, God was blessing his every move. But David had a part to play. And it was not just to be successful. David's exploits are not nearly as important as David's heart. God had chosen David because he was a man after His own heart. David had a heart for God and it showed up in his obedience to God. Unlike his predecessor, David sought the will of God. He asked for God's guidance. And he seemed to know that his reign was only as strong as his relationship with God. Which is why David acknowledged God in his victories and sought God in times of defeat. As the spoil of battle began to add up, David made sure that he did not try and take credit for his victories. "King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had taken from the other nations he had subdued" (1 Chronicles 18:11 NLT). David knew that he was being blessed by God for a reason. If you recall, at one point David wanted to build a temple for God, but God told David that he would not be able to do so. That job would be up to David's son, Solomon. But David's victories were going to pay for the construction of that temple and much of the plunder of war would be used in furnishing the temple. "Later Solomon melted the bronze and used it for the Temple. He molded it into the bronze Sea, the pillars, and the various bronze utensils used at the Temple" (1 Chronicles 18:8 NLT). David was dedicated to God. Everything he did, he seemed to do for the glory of God. Was he always perfect in this pursuit? No. But we see in this chapter a characteristic of David that truly set him apart. And it is a quality that should mark our lives as Christ-followers. We should recognize that God is the behind-the-scenes star of our life story as well. He has called us. He has chosen us to be His sons and daughters. He is orchestrating the events of our lives in order to bring us good and Himself glory. It is our job to acknowledge Him and to realize that any "victory" we experience is due to Him, not us. We cannot take credit for our successes and blame God for our failures. And we cannot enjoy the benefits of a relationship with God without realizing that the blessings of God are not just for our own benefit. God blesses us in order that we might be a blessing to others. Our victories are not for us to bask in. God blesses us for a reason. David's successes were not for him, but for the glory of God and the good of the nation of Israel. Our successes are not for us, but for the glory of God and the good of the body of Christ. This is God's story, not ours. He is the star. And He alone deserves the credit.

Father, You do deserve all the credit for any successes I have experienced in my life. But it is so easy for me to rob You of glory by taking the credit myself. I over-value my own self-worth at times. I forget that I am nothing without You. Any good I experience, any blessings I enjoy – all come from Your hand. Help me continue to learn to give You all the credit. Thank You for being the behind-the-scenes star of my life's story. Amen



The Death of a Vision

1 Chronicles 17

Go and tell my servant David, '"his is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build me a temple to live in." ­– 1 Chronicles 17:4 NLT

David had a great idea. He wanted to do something for God that would reflect his gratitude for all that God had done for he and the nation of Israel. He would build God a permanent temple or dwelling place. Just like all the other gods of the nations had. This idea made sense to David. God had given him a kingdom and he had built himself a palace, so why shouldn't God have a temple in which to dwell? And David knew he wanted to have God's presence as a permanent part of his kingdom if he was going to be successful. Where did David get such an idea? Well, obviously not from God as the text makes clear. He probably got the idea from looking at the nations around him. As he conquered other countries, David would see that their capitols contained a palace and a temple, because in the Near Eastern mindset the relationship of the king and the god of that nation were inseparable. The palace was the earthly residence of the king. The temple was the earthly residence of the deity that stood behind that king. So David was simply wanting to have what the other nations had.

His desire was not necessarily wrong or evil. He was wanting to honor God and his plan was based on his understanding that his kingdom was only as powerful as his God was close. But God had other plans for David. He wanted David to be a kingdom builder, not a temple builder. He reminds David that He is the one who chose him and put him on the throne. He did not ask for a temple to be built. David did not need to build a house for God to assure himself of the presence of God. God had been with him the entire time he was hiding in the wilderness. And He was with David now.

God had a job for David to do. He was the warrior-king. He was to do battle with the Philistines and the enemies of Israel. He was the shepherd-king. He was to shepherd and care for the people of Israel by providing them with protection from their enemies. David's desire to build God a temple would have proved to be a distraction from the very task God had called him to perform. And the same can be true for us. In our desire to do great things for God, we can miss out on the job God has called and equipped us to do. "Often we may have to accept that the work which we would dearly like to perform in terms of Christian service is not that for which we are best equipped, and not that to which God has in fact called us. It may be, like David's, a preparatory work, leading to something more obviously grand. Recognition and acceptance of our true measure is the first and necessary step towards seeing the significance of what, in God's purposes, we really can achieve and have achieve."– J. G. McConville, 1 & 2 Chronicles.

By doing what God had prepared him to do, David would be establishing Israel as a powerful force in the region. He would be setting up Israel as the dominant nation in that area of the world, so that when Solomon took the throne he would enjoy a time of unprecedented peace. And it would be during this time of peace that Solomon would build the temple David dreamed of building. Sometimes our work is preparatory. We are paving the way for something else. Our work may appear less important or somehow less significant, but we must do what God has called us to do. David was going to have to die to his vision. It would be painful and disappointing. But it would prove the best thing that ever happened to David and the nation of Israel. God didn't need a temple. God needed a man who would obediently do what he was called to do; and leave the rest to God.

Father, sometimes I can come up with all kinds of ideas for serving You. I can get all excited about my plans for making Your kingdom great. But in doing so I have often forgotten to ask You what Your thoughts are. I fail to recognize that my plans can actually get in the way of Yours. And I can lose sight of the work You have called and equipped me to do. Keep me focused on and faithful to Your will, not mine. If I have to die to my vision, give me the strength to do so, and to willingly follow Your plan over mine.  Amen



The Lord Reigns.

1 Chronicles 15-16

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, "The Lord reigns!" ­– 1 Chronicles 16:31 NLT

The Lord reigns. He rules. He sits on His throne ruling over all mankind and accomplishing His divine will as He sees fit. As David begins his long-awaited reign as the king of Israel, he reminds himself and his subjects that God is the ultimate king of their nation. David makes sure he sets up the Ark of God in the capital city of Jerusalem in order to assure himself and remind the people that this kingdom is a theocracy first, and a monarchy second. David reigns on God's behalf and at His bequest. God put him on the throne, but God could just as easily remove him, as He did Saul.

David leads the people in a celebration of God's goodness and grace. The arrival of the Ark in the city of Jerusalem is a reminder that God is intimately involved in their lives. And for that reason, He deserves their praise, worship, allegiance, and thanksgiving. David reminds them of all that God has done on their behalf. He recalls God's faithfulness and redemptive work in their lives over the years. He is a good God who is worthy of much praise. It is only their relationship with God that sets the Israelites apart from all the other nations. He is the difference maker. It is He who makes them a unique people group among all the other people groups that populate the planet at that time. He is real, not an idol. He is powerful, and not just a figment of someone's fertile imagination. And He is intimately involved in every aspect of their daily live. And for all that, He is to be worshiped, praised, and obeyed. What a timely reminder to those of us today who call ourselves His people. He is as amazing today as He was then. He deserves our praise as much as He did theirs. He is worthy of our thanks, praise, honor and attention. Because He alone is God.

Father, I do praise you enough. I do not acknowledge Your greatness enough. I do not sing of your worthiness enough. Yet You are as faithful, powerful, reliable, and gracious as You have ever been. Praise You!!! Amen



The Presence of God.

1 Chronicles 13-14

It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul. ­– 1 Chronicles 13:3 NLT

These two chapters record the same basic details as found in 2 Samuel 5-6. David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the new capital of the nation. The significance of this event is that the Ark represented the presence and power of God. The people had actually tried to use the Ark as a good luck charm when fighting with the Philistines, sending for it in the hopes that it would give them victory over their enemies. But instead, the Ark was captured by the Philistines. With the loss of the Ark the people also lost the glory of God. "The glory of God has departed from Israel, for the ark of God was taken" (1 Samuel 4:22 NASB). The Ark symbolized the power and presence of God. With its loss, both had departed from Israel. After its return by the Philistines, the Ark had been left in Kiriath-Jearim for 100 years. During the entire reign of Saul, the Ark had been ignored and abandoned, and with it, the power and presence of God had also been overlooked.

David wanted to begin his kingdom in the right way and he knew the he would be dependent on both God's power and presence. David knew the significance of the Ark and the role it had played in the history of Israel all during their years wandering in the wilderness. It had been a prominent fixture in the tabernacle where it sat in the holy of holies. In making the Ark a permanent fixture in his new capital, David was clearly indicating his desire to have the presence and power of God a part of his kingdom and reign. David wanted God involved in his kingdom. He inquired of God for direction and insight before acting. Having God intimately involved in his kingship was vital to David. And God confirmed His power and presence by answering David's inquiries and fighting on his behalf. How much do we need the power and presence of God in our lives? It begins with acknowledging our need for Him. It involves including Him in the daily decisions of our lives. It means that we turn to His Word for wisdom, guidance, and direction. We listen for His voice. We don't act until we have confidence that He has spoken. Saul had learned to operate independently from God. David was beginning his reign completely dependent on God. "So David’s fame spread everywhere, and the LORD caused all the nations to fear David" (1 Chronicles 14:17 NLT).

Father, I cannot survive without Your power and presence. I try, but the results are always the same. So help me grow in my dependence on You. I want to live my life with You, not without You. I want to seek You, not ignore You. Give me a heart like David had. Amen



Even On Our Worst Days, God Shows Up.

1 Chronicles 12

The following men joined David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who fought beside David in battle. ­– 1 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

The chronicler is still building a case for the validity of the reign of David. He is convincing the people returning from exile that David's reign as king, even though long ended, was the work of God. And God's promise of a future king to sit on the throne of David was going to happen. To satisfy the people of David's legitimacy and unite them as one people, the chronicler recounts the story of David's flight to the land of the Philistines to escape the wrath of Saul. This story is told in 1 Samuel 27. Things had gotten so bad for David that he decides the only thing for him to do is to hide among the enemy, so that Saul will think he has defected. Not exactly a great plan. It would cause David all kinds of problems in the long run, and there is no indication that it was a plan given to him by God. Yet, in the midst of one of David's greatest moments of despondency and desperation, God shows up. This time He shows up in the form of the "mighty men of valor."

In this chapter we are given a detailed accounting of the tens of thousands of Israelite warriors from every tribe who defected to David's side even while he was living with the enemy. This says much about their respect for David and indicates that God was a part of this plan. Here was David, living in enemy territory, as far from the throne of Israel as he could possibly get, and yet God is building his army for him. And not just any army. He is surrounding David with the best and the brightest, the strongest and the bravest. Every day a new batch of battle-hardened soldiers showed up on David's doorstep. Don't you think the first group were a shock to David? As a matter of fact, when they showed up, David thought they had come to capture him. He senses betrayal, and for good reason. It had happened before. But these men pledge their allegiance to David and indicate that they knew that God was with David and not Saul. With each passing day, David's army grew. "Hardly a day went by without men showing up to help--it wasn't long before his band seemed as large as God's own army!" (1 Chronicles 12:22 MSG).

Even in the midst of the Philistine camp, God was confirming David's future and preparing him for his eventual ascension to the throne. God was working in ways that David never would have dreamed. His desperate attempt to hide among the Philistines could not hide him from the will of God. God was going to finish what He had begun, and in a spectacular fashion. With this many men defecting to David, it is no wonder that Saul was so easily defeated in battle against the Philistines and took his own life. God had removed the greatest warriors from Saul and given them to David. God's hand was on David. He was God's hand-picked successor to Saul and nothing was going to prevent His will from being done.

In your worst moments do you tend to see the hand of God or do you simply see darkness and despair? God is there working. He is bringing into your life "mighty men of valor." It could be in the form of an encouraging word from a friend. It could be a surprising answer to prayer. It could be a passage that you have read a thousand time that suddenly speaks to you in a fresh and exciting way. It could be by giving you an insight into an area of your life that He wants to work on. God is always at work in the lives of those He has chosen and loves. Even in our darkest days.

Father, thank You for this encouraging word. I want to look for you in each and every circumstance, because I know You are there. You are working behind the scenes in ways that are unexpected and sometimes unseen. But You are there. Let me see You today. Amen



Is God With You?

2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11

David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him. ­– 1 Chronicles 11:9 NASB

David had been through a lot over the years. But now he was seeing his circumstances take a decidedly positive turn. Rather than running for his life, he was being crowned king of Israel. Instead of living the life of a renegade and outlaw, he was being recognized as the legitimate ruler of the kingdom. All his past deeds on behalf of the nation were suddenly remembered and the people were glad to put him on the throne. Not only was he God's choice, he was the people's choice. They overwhelmingly supported David as their king. All thoughts of Saul had disappeared.

From this point forward, the chronicler is going to begin to focus his attention on the glory years of David's reign. He is going to recount David's rise to power and his establishment of Jerusalem as his capitol. The capture of Jerusalem was going to be critical to Israel's future. It was there that the Temple would eventually be built and the sacrificial system that God required would be practiced. Jerusalem would play a significant role in the history of Israel from this time forward – and continues to do so today. The chronicler also recounts the rise of David's Mighty Men. This group of valiant warriors had been attracted to David by his courage, military know-how, and his character. They recognized a good leader when they saw one. Most of these guys gave their allegiance to David while he was still running from Saul. These men would rather have risked their lives living on the run with David, than serving a less-than-godly leader like Saul. The bravery of these men is clearly outlined for us and it shows the kind of men that David attracted. His leadership and character were magnets attracting men of strength and integrity.

But the greatest point in these two passages is the reference to God's presence. David was who he was, not because of his exploits, not because of his capture of Jerusalem, and not because of the kind of men with whom he associated. David was who he was because God was with him. And God was with David because David shared God's heart. He loved the things God loved. He had a passion for the same things God did. David was a man after God"s own heart. Was he perfect? Obviously not. Would he make mistakes? Yes, he would make many. But he never lost his heart for the things of God. He loved God and all that God loved. So God was with Him, and God prospered Him. God blessed Him. And the same is true for us today. God longs to bless those who share His heart, who love what He loves, and pursue what He desires. David's interests were the same as God's. And God recognized that. As long as David put the things of God first, God put David first. He prospered and protected him. Is God with You today? Do you have a heart for the same things He does?

Father, give me a heart that longs for and loves the same things You do. I desire Your constant presence in my life. I want to be a man after Your own heart. Amen



A Refresher Course.

1 Chronicles 9-10

Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to GOD. He didn't obey GOD's words. Instead of praying, he went to a witch to seek guidance. Because he didn't go to GOD for help, GOD took his life and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. ­– 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 MSG

For nine chapters the chronicler has painstakingly presented the genealogies of the twelves tribes of Israel. He has reminded them of their unique and rich heritage as God's chosen people. They have returned from exile due to the grace and mercy of God. Chapter nine pictures a reinstituted priesthood and a revitalized sacrificial system at the temple in Jerusalem. This mention of the holy city reminds the people of their duty to worship God and Him alone. Jerusalem is also the city where the king resides. It is the place where David and Solomon had their palaces and conducted their reigns as the kings of Israel.

Now the writer is going to give the people a refresher course in how they got to where they are. He starts out in chapter 10 by revisiting the unflattering demise of Saul. He is going to juxtapose the reign of Saul with that of David and he does so by simply concentrating on Saul's death. Chapter ten is virtually word for word what is recorded in 1 Samuel 31. What a contrast we seen in the life of Saul and that of David, the man after God's own heart. Saul was the king appointed as a result of the people's demand for a king just like all the other nations had. They got what they wanted. Someone who looked like a leader, but lacked the integrity and character that true godly leadership requires. Solomon was the king after the people's heart. His name means "he who was requested." But Saul had a problem. He refused to obey God and His prophet Samuel. Unlike David, Saul was not a man after God's own heart. In fact, he really didn't have a heart for God. Since Saul refused to listen to God, God reached the point where He stopped listening to Saul. God even chose Saul's successor long before his life and his kingdom came to an end. God chose David.

The writer makes it clear that Saul died because of his own trespasses. He had sinned against God. Saul had refused to obey God and worship Him as God. In telling Saul's story, the chronicler is telling the story of the people of Israel. They had been in exile all these years for similar reasons. They had failed to listen to and obey God. In fact, the very fact that Saul was ever on the throne goes back to the people's stubborn insistence that they have a king – instead of being satisfied with God as their king.

The following chapters will contrast the faithfulness of David with the unfaithfulness of Saul. David was God's choice for Israel. Because David was faithful, he reign was blessed. The book of Chronicles makes a repeated tie between blessing and faithfulness and judgment and disobedience. We can probably stand to listen to what the writer of Chronicles is trying to tell us. God is a holy God who demands that His followers live holy lives. But the good news it that He is not expecting us to manufacture this holiness on our own. He supplies all we need through the presence of His Holy Spirit and His written Word. We can live faithful lives and enjoy the blessings of God. We can live in obedience. We can be a people after God's own heart. He has equipped us to do just that.

Father, may obedience mark our lives more than disobedience. May we be a people who turn to You and not the counterfeit gods of this world. We want to be faithful. We want to be pleasing to You. Thank You for making it possible through the indwelling power of Your Spirit and the truth found in Your Word. Amen



What's In A Name?

1 Chronicles 2

Jesse’s first son was Eliab, his second was Abinadab, his third was Shimea, his fourth was Nethanel, his fifth was Raddai, his sixth was Ozem, and his seventh was David. ­– 1 Chronicles 2:13-15 NLT

The first nine chapters of the 29 books of 1 Chronicles are genealogies. What's up with that? Obviously, the author of the book had a reason for dedicating such time and space to these lists of names. Remember that that the book was written to those who had been in exile and were now returning to the land of promise. Many had never been there, but had been born in Babylon while in exile. These seemingly endless lists of genealogies were a reminder to them of their heritage. Dr. Thomas L. Constable, in his Notes on 1 Chronicles, offers this explanation.

"The writer evidently chose, under divine inspiration, to open his book with genealogies to help his readers appreciate their heritage and to tie themselves to Adam, Abraham, and David in particular. Adam was important as the head of the human race. Abraham was important because of the promises God gave him and his descendants in the Abrahamic Covenant. David was important because of his role as Israel's model king and because of the promises God gave him in the Davidic Covenant. This section shows Israel's place among the nations. Both the Old and New Testaments open with genealogies, in Genesis, Matthew, and Luke.

"One of the major themes of Chronicles is that the Davidic dynasty would be the instrument through which God promised that salvation and blessing would come to Israel. It would also come through Israel to the whole world. The final Davidic king, Jesus Christ, was the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) as well as the Person who would fulfill the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants completely."

Can you imagine the sense of loss and confusion the people must have felt as they returned to the land after nearly 70 years in captivity? Many had long ago given up on ever returning. They had seen their fathers and mothers die in the land of Babylon. They had resigned themselves to the fact that they would also die in exile, never living to see their homeland. But now that they had returned, they had to be wondering what the future held. These genealogies provided them a reminder of God's sovereign plan for their lives and of His faithfulness. He had not abandoned them. He was still going to keep His covenants to Abraham and David. The people of Israel would still be a blessing. David would still have a descendant sit on his throne, even though it had sat vacant for many years. All of this points to the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ would ultimately fulfill the promises of God made to Israel. Through Him all the nations of the world would be blessed. He will someday reign on earth as the rightful and righteous king of Israel.

Imagine the people reading through these lists of names. To us, they mean next to nothing, except for an occasional name like David, Boaz, or Judah. But for the people returning from exile, this would have been like looking at their family tree. They would have scanned the list to find the names of their ancestors. It would have provided a sense of connection. They were part of something much bigger than themselves. And while they may have been in exile, they were still connected to the lineage of God's chosen people. So they could have hope that God was not done with them yet. The peoples' sin of rebellion, which led to their exile, would not prevent God from keeping His covenant and completing His plan for His people.

Father, Your story is so much bigger than me. I sometimes think that it all revolves around me and that I am the star of the show. But I am just a bit player in Your play. I am thrilled that I have a part, but help me realize that You have a much larger objective than my happiness and satisfaction. You are fulfilling Your plan for mankind. You are redeeming the world. May I never lose sight of that great redemptive plan. Amen