Daily Bible Devotionals

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 8. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 1. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Romans 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Romans 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 24. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 17. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“‘Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses; the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen.  Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?’ Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly.” 1 Chronicles 29:3-6 (NKJV)

I recently received a message through social media from a person in Nashville, Tennessee.  The message was simple: Thank you.  There is nothing particularly landmark about a “thank you” note, but this one stood out because the “thank you” came 15 years after the fact.  So much time had passed that I had forgotten the episode for which I was being thanked!  Seemingly, a distant music business colleague of mine was at dinner with his wife during a season of financial difficulty, and I paid their bill.  When he mentioned it, a vague recollection came across my mental radar.  I remember seeing them sitting there, looking stressed at the menu, so I asked their waitress to inform them that someone was taking care of their tab and that they should order whatever they wanted, especially dessert.  

I don’t mention that episode as an attempt to paint an image of myself as some kind of philanthropist.  (I am actually very cheap!  The Lord has to pry benevolence from me.)  I share that story because of what happened AFTER.  The gentleman was so encouraged that, instead of quitting the Christian music business, he continued to follow the Lord’s leading and slug it out.  Today, he is one of the few of us still making a living in commercial music (I’m not), and he counts that moment of generous encouragement as pivotal in his faith journey.  That is exactly what today’s chapter is about.  David’s generosity is contagious; it trickles down and begins a chain reaction of faithful selflessness.  We notice the same pattern of contagious faithfulness in the victory song that Deborah (one of Israel’s Judges) sang after the victory of Israel’s army under Barak’s command.

“Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying: ‘When leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves, bless the Lord!’” Judges 5:1-2 (NKJV)

It’s not that David’s peers felt the pressure of his generosity; the common people gave freely, too!  Oh, that we could see such leadership in the Church today!

“Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.  Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.’” 1 Chronicles 29:9-10 (NKJV)

“Then King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Listen to me, my brothers and my people.  It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the Lord’s covenant and as a footstool for our God.  I had made preparations to build, but God said to me, “You are not to build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.”’” 1 Chronicles 28:2-3 (HCSB)

“Why can’t you build the Temple, David?”  Surely, that question was raised by citizens of his kingdom.  King David had to be forthright.  The Lord had told him directly that he would not build the temple in Jerusalem.  For all of the bewildered onlookers, David was forced to come clean, “I have shed blood in war.”  But was the military conquest of numerous Philistines and various Canaanites really the disqualifier?  The Lord did not have a problem receiving the spoils of Israel’s military victories as supplies for the building of the temple.  (1 Chronicles 26:27; 2 Samuel 8:11; 2 Chronicles 15:11)  Furthermore, every man of military age (20 years old and above) was ordered to pay a “ransom” for himself as atonement for lives he may take during war.

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: ‘Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel.  You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.’” Numbers 1:1-3 (NKJV)

“This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (a shekel is twenty gerahs).  The half-shekel shall be an offering to the Lord. Everyone included among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel when you give an offering to the Lord to make atonement for yourselves. And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of meeting, that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves.”  Exodus 30:13-16 (NKJV)

We are safe to assume the “too much blood” shed during war was related to the blood of only ONE man: Uriah the Hittite.  Uriah’s was the only unjust killing of David’s reign: “Why then have you despised the command of the Lord by doing what I consider evil?  You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife as your own wife—you murdered him with the Ammonite’s sword.” (2 Samuel 12:9)  Forever in Scripture, the Lord reminds us that Bathsheba was never legitimately David’s wife.  “Then David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife….” (Matthew 1:6b)  What sin must you deny today before it disqualifies you from ministry tomorrow?

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Chronicles 27. Click the links below to watch or listen now.

“Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.”  1 Chronicles 26:1 (NKJV)

“Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the dedicated things.” 1 Chronicles 26:20 (NKJV)

A quick review of the past few chapters reveals a pattern of progression for spiritual growth.  It is a pattern for Israel as a nation, as well as for us.  In chapter 22, David prepares to build the temple.   You may recall that David was prohibited (by the Lord) from building the temple himself because his hands were “stained with bloodshed  .”But that did not exclude him from preparing the next generation, namely his son, Solomon.  What provisions are you making to give the next generation of believers a greater chance of living successful lives of faith?

“So when David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.  And he gathered together all the leaders of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.  Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and above; and the number of individual males was thirty-eight thousand.”  1 Chronicles 23:1-3 (NKJV)

In chapter 23, David gathers the Levites.  As we learned in previous chapters, the Levites had not sought the Lord’s counsel at the Ark of the Covenant for many years while Saul reigned.  Perhaps they had become unsure of their priestly calling.

Once the Levites had been separated from the general population, the process began to sort them into their respective divisions and duty stations.  David made sure that the Levites all knew their duties by publically seeking the Lord (casting lots) so the Levites could be confident that their duty selection was not simply an arbitrary whim of David.

We begin to notice that worship for the Israelites is getting more and more intimate as it moves closer to the presence of God.  Chapter 25 focuses on the Musicians, whose job it is to stand at the gates of Jerusalem and play music that facilitates the various ways the worshipper enters into and exits corporate worship.

Today’s chapter focuses on the gatekeepers themselves.  The gatekeepers are those who allow the “sheep” to enter and protect the flock from “wolves” who may attempt to creep into the congregation, causing division in the community.  There is freedom in our relationship with God through Messiah Jesus, but never forget that accountability is also necessary, even in a congregation of grace.

Lastly, we see the Levites who oversee the treasury.  Where your heart is, there will be your investment.  If you do not give tithes and offerings to the Lord, there is no doubt that you are consumed with worldly things.  The closer we get to Him, the more we offer ourselves (and our belongings) to the ongoing work of the gospel.

“Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals.”  1 Chronicles 25:1a (NKJV)

The two greatest days of a touring musician’s career are 1) the day they buy their first tour bus and 2) the day they sell it!  Everything that goes wrong on a tour bus costs at least $1,000.  Being successful is hard work.  As they say in Nashville, “If it were that easy to grab, there wouldn’t be any left…and there’s a lot left.”  You have to fight to get to the top, and you have to fight to stay there.  Success in the music business isn’t for sissies.  Perhaps that is why David chose his musicians from the army.  This is especially so for worship music.  Worship is spiritual warfare.  

And what are our weapons?  Harps, stringed instruments & cymbals?  Perhaps, but the true weapon is prophecy.  When I say “prophecy,” I am not talking about predicting the future.  The kind of prophecy the Lord describes in today’s chapter is to musically speak forth the Word of God.  It is akin to the type of prophecy the Apostle Paul speaks.

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

Paul is not exhorting the believers in Corinth to predict the future or write new books to the Bible.  He is telling them that the most important thing to seek, in addition to love, is God’s Word and that His Spirit would enable them to understand it.  “Prophesy” conveys more than an intellectual acquisition of information; it conveys that we receive knowledge with the expressed intent that we would share it with others.  That is the kind of prophesy these soldiers-turned-musicians were called to: Seek God’s Word and sing about what the Spirit revealed to them from God’s Word.

As we read the rest of today’s chapter, take notice of this phrase, “Direction of their father…” (verses. 2, 3, 6)  True to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the father’s duty was not only to teach his children how to excellently play the various instruments in the temple orchestra.  His most important role was to teach his children to value God’s Word!

Psychologists say, “hurt people hurt people.” What they mean is that people who display abusive behavior were probably, themselves, abused.  Conversely, if a person is well-disciplined, they will disciple others well.  Notice how the musicians were also drafted into teaching roles, perpetuating the values (set forth by King David) of the Levitical musicians throughout their generations.

“Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was: Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king.  Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.  Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn. For God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.  All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight. And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student.”  1 Chronicles 25:1-8 (NKJV)

“Then David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to the schedule of their service.  There were more leaders found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and thus they were divided.  Among the sons of Eleazar were sixteen heads of their fathers’ houses, and eight heads of their fathers’ houses among the sons of Ithamar.  Thus they were divided by lot, one group as another, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of the house of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar.”  1 Chronicles 24:3-5 (NKJV)

Some people believe God has not been fair to them.  They look at others with better lifestyles, more interesting jobs, or a beautiful spouse, and they feel cheated.  They know God is omniscient (knowing all things), omnipresent (always present in their lives), and omnipotent (having the power to affect change), but they have serious questions about His character.  How could He possess all those attributes yet withhold their idea of “blessings” for them?  If you have felt this way about God at times, you are not alone.  I have felt that way.  Surely, the Levites entertained that idea, as their duties were being decided by a roll of the dice (lot).  And so did the apostle Peter, as he compared his ministry calling to that of the apostle John.  

“Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”  Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”  Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?  You follow Me.”  John 21:20-22 (NKJV)

After recounting the great victories of the Bible’s faithful men, the writer of Hebrews then lists a group of equally faithful martyrs who suffered greatly.

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still, others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword.  They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy.  They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”  Hebrews 11:35b-40 (NKJV)

It’s easy to see how someone could read those verses and wonder how God could be so unfair.  But there is one problem with that notion.  God is NOT fair.  He is JUST.  Fairness assumes everyone gets the same thing.  Justice demands that God (in His infinite wisdom) always chooses rightly and knows how to dispense His blessing of grace through hardship as well as abundance.  Believers who acknowledge that, have truly found peace, which passes understanding!  (Philippians 4:7)

“The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all.  The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, he and his sons forever, that he should sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister to Him, and to give the blessing in His name forever. Now the sons of Moses the man of God were reckoned to the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses were Gershon and Eliezer.” 1 Chronicles 23:12-15 (HCSB)

Several years ago, a friend showed me a magazine advertisement for a high-end tequila maker.  No, we were not planning a church staff party.  He brought the ad because the tequila company was owned by the son of a relatively well-known pastor friend.  My friend could not understand how the son of a successful pastor could be engaged in such a worldly business venture.  I assured my friend that ministry callings cannot be assumed or thrust upon the next generation.  Apples may not fall far from the tree, as they say, but even preachers’ kids must choose whether they will personally remain connected to the tree’s root!  (John 15:5)

Aaron’s sons Nadab & Abihu chose to offer unauthorized fire to the Lord, and they got toasted for it!  Despite the efforts of Hebrew scholars to protect Moses’ image (changing the spelling of Moses’ name in Scripture), God has allowed it to be exposed that Moses’ grandson initiated pagan worship.  (Judges 18:30)

“Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.”  Judges 18:30 (NKJV)

Moody University’s Dr. Michael Rydelnik, in the New American Commentary Studies The Messianic Hope, exposes the Hebrew Masoretic Bible compilers’ wrongful edit.

“This verse records the establishment of the first pagan priesthood in Israel.  The consonantal text’s original reading indicated that “msh” (Mosheh or Moses) was the grandfather of Jonathan, the founder of this pagan priesthood.  The Masoretes inserted the raised letter “n” (or “nun”), making the word read “mnsh” (Menasseh or Manasseh).  According to the Hebrew scholar Tov, the suspended “nun” was a correction of ‘an earlier reading which ascribed the erecting of the idol in Dan to one of the descendants of Moses…the addition can therefore be understood as a deliberate change of content.’”  Rydelnick goes on to say, “The motive for the change is critical.  Keil and Delitzsch cite R. Tanchum, who said that the written ‘Moses’ reading ought to be corrected with a suspended “nun” so that it would read ‘Manasseh.’  Keil and Delitzsch also quote Rabba bar bar Channa who argued for the ‘Manasseh’ reading ‘because it would have been ignominious to Moses to have an ungodly son.’  Therefore, the nun was suspended to protect the honor of Moses.”

Important to note is how God is no respecter of men (or their children).  We stand before the Lord as individuals, each of us called into a holy priesthood.  (1 Peter 2:9)

“And David said to Solomon: ‘My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God; but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around.  His name shall be Solomon, for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and 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 22:7-10 (NKJV)

Reading today’s passage, I am reminded of the old man who was bragging to a friend about  his new hearing aid.  His friend asked, “What kind is it?” The man glanced at his watch and said, “About 4:30.”  Sometimes, your response testifies that you aren’t hearing the conversation clearly!

David believed he heard the Lord say his son Solomon would build the temple.  Because the name Solomon is derived from the word “shalom,” meaning “peace,” David assumed the Lord was talking about his immediate son, Solomon.  So, David began setting aside provisions and architects & builders so Solomon could begin construction without hindrance upon David’s death.  

Indeed, Solomon oversaw the temple’s construction in Jerusalem, and the Lord blessed it with the signs of His presence.  But when the Lord was speaking to David, there was ANOTHER “Solomon” that He was ultimately referring to; Not just the boy named “Peace” (Solomon), but the man whose title is “Prince of Peace.”

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

“The book of the genealogy of Messiah Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” Matthew 1:1 (NKJV)

Just as David had subdued all of Israel’s enemies, clearing a pathway to a peaceful reign for Solomon, God is doing so, even now, for Messiah Jesus.  That is why Jesus quoted David’s prophetic Psalm 110:1, where David testifies to God’s statement of the certainty of security for the Messiah’s Kingdom.  

“The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’”  Matthew 22:44 (HCSB)

The temple in Jerusalem was beautiful, but the kingdom of Solomon became corrupted.  Only the Kingdom of Jesus is established FOREVER.  (1 Chronicles 22:10)

“So Gad came to David and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the Lord—the plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.” Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.’ And David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress.  Please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.’” 1 Chronicles 21:11-13 (NKJV)

When I was a boy living in Shreveport, Louisiana, I recall opening the door of our home and chatting with a man who was holding a clipboard.  He asked me about various aspects of our lives, and I was happy to oblige.  When I think about that moment today, I would be terrified to know my own children would open the door to a stranger, much less carry on a 30-minute conversation!  But those were different days, and people had more trust back then.  It turns out the man was with the United States Census Bureau, and he was gathering information for our government.  

Given my pleasant experience with census takers for many years, I was perplexed why King David’s census was considered evil by the Lord.  Furthermore, why was Joab, the head of David’s army, so against it?  David’s census was sinful because David was not taking God at His Word, that He would establish David’s kingdom.  David was not interested in counting heads; he counted who was “for” or “against” him.  He had stopped walking by faith and trusted his own eyesight, what he could see and account for.  Obviously, the census must have revealed that the majority of “Israel” was against David’s anointed kingship.  (**At that time, the kingdom was divided by those who were still influenced by Saul’s hatred of David {aka Israel} and those who supported David {David’s family tribe Judah, plus some of the Levites}).  Hence, God’s fury broke out against “Israel.”

Once David saw the gravity of his sin, (that his lack of faith had led to the destruction of the very people he was anointed to shepherd), his heart for his “enemies” turned toward empathy.  David, the fearful king, turned back into David, the shepherd.  He pleaded with the Lord that His discipline would be turned from the people and directly onto himself; it was his own sin that led to their plague.  (Hebrews 12:5-11)

“And David said to God, ‘Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered?  I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done?  Let Your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.’”  1 Chronicles 21:17 (NKJV)

We are reminded of the sinless One, the “Son of David,” who gave His life for us.

“I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NKJV)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Chronicles 20. Click the links below to watch or listen now.

“It happened after this that Nahash the king of the people of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his place. Then David said, ‘I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.’ So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father.  And David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him.  And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun, ‘Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you?  Did his servants not come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?’ Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. Then some went and told David about the men; and he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed.  And the king said, ‘Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.’ When the people of Ammon saw that they had made themselves repulsive to David, Hanun and the people of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, from Syrian Maacah, and from Zobah.” 1 Chronicles 19:1-6 (NKJV)

In the midst of a rapid-fire retelling of David’s various conquests, the author of 1 Chronicles slows down to focus on an incident of disrespect and public humiliation.  David’s ambassadors have been stripped naked, their beards & heads shaved.  This disrespect is in stark contrast to chapter 8, where Tou, king of Hamath, chooses to stand alongside David when he learns how David had conquered Hamath’s mortal enemy.  It reminds us of how we must choose to embrace Jesus or fight against Him after we learn He has conquered our enemies, death & Satan.  Yesterday, a king blessed Israel, and he was blessed; today, a king curses Israel, and he is destroyed.

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3 (NKJV)

Perhaps we should consider what God considers to be an act of war.

“Adulterers and adulteresses!  Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4 (NKJV)

It is true that God did not send Messiah Jesus into the world to condemn people on the occasion of His first coming.  (John 3:16-18)  And God wants none to perish, but for all to come unto repentance.  (2 Peter 3:9)  But that does not mean there is not a reckoning forthcoming.  Jesus’ second coming will not be a heartfelt counseling session.  He will enact vengeance as David rode out to avenge his ambassadors.

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.  He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31 (NKJV)  (Matthew 7:21-23)

“David took the gold shields carried by Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem. From Tibhath and Cun, Hadadezer’s cities, David also took huge quantities of bronze, from which Solomon made the bronze reservoir, the pillars, and the bronze articles.  When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, he sent his son Hadoram to King David to greet him and to congratulate him because David had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Tou and Hadadezer had fought many wars. Hadoram brought all kinds of gold, silver, and bronze items. King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all the nations—from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalekites. 1 Chronicles 18:7-ll (HCSB)

Whether or not you like the New York Yankees baseball team, you must admit their winning tradition is impressive. Sure, you can argue that they spend too much money on players or that they are overhyped, but the fact is they almost always have a winning season, even if they don’t go to the World Series. People expect the Yankees to win, and, quite frankly, we are surprised when they lose. Winning can be that way; winning can become so routine that it becomes boring. That is kind of how we felt about Israel during the early part of David’s reign. They just win so much that we lose interest in the narrative.  

We must resist the urge to skip past the next two chapters because God is trying to communicate something to us who seek His Word: 1) Battles will still come to the faithful. His “shalom” (peace) is not the absence of conflict. His peace passes understanding precisely because we have hope in the midst of conflict. 2) Trials that we face will ultimately be won by His power. Notice how David is fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses sue you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)

The nations who curse David and war against Israel are defeated and David takes their spoils. Those who fear David and seek to make peace with Israel willingly offer up their wealth as gifts. As a result, they fall under David’s protection. And what did David do with those spoils? He set them aside to honor the Lord.

“Now David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.’ So David made abundant preparations before his death.” 1 Chronicles 22:5 (NKJV)

“Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under tent curtains.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’  But it happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, ‘Go and tell My servant David, “Thus says the Lord: You shall not build Me a house to dwell in. For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought up Israel, even to this day, but have gone from tent to tent and from one Tabernacle to another. Wherever I have moved about with all Israel, have I ever spoken a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’”1 Chronicles 17:1-6 (NKJV)

It was a beautiful night up there on the roof of David’s cedar palace.  Beef BB-Q, roasted vegetables, choice Golan wine, Levitical band, and singers echoing through the alleyways…all complete with a perfect view of the Tabernacle, the tent where the ark of the covenant resided.  But something is eating at King David as he stares down at the Tabernacle.  Is it right for the king to live in a house of cedar while the ark of the Lord is in a tent?  David thought not, so he declared to his best friend, the prophet Nathan, that he would build the Lord a house of cedar like the king’s palace.  It seems like a benevolent gesture, but nobody asks God if He wants a house.  Nobody considers that the sheer presence of the Tabernacle is a hint that Israel will someday be in exile again.  Perhaps that is why the Levites (whose job was to minister at the Tabernacle) had no inheritance in the land.  Their inheritance was to serve the Lord.  Because so, the Levites could keep their inheritance, no matter where the Lord caused (or drove) them to dwell.

“At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the Lord’s covenant, to stand before Yahweh to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as it is today. For this reason, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance like his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God told him.” Deuteronomy 10:8-9 (HCSB)

The problem with a temple is that temples themselves, with all of their opulence, can be worshipped more than the God they are built to honor.  Temples can also house idols.  Pagan practices incorporated into temple worship can defile a temple and infuriate God, as the bed of an adulterer can be defiled and disgust the spurned spouse.  Then, God must seize the worshipful attention of His people by dramatic means.  Only when Israel is ready to worship the Lord again will He allow the temple to be rebuilt.  But, we are getting ahead of the story.  No, David will not build a temple for God.  His son, Solomon, will.  But it will be destroyed, as will the temple that is rebuilt.  (Ezra 1:1-3)  

Ultimately, we await the New Jerusalem, the everlasting temple-city (Revelation 21:2), where Messiah Jesus builds a house for us! (John 14:1-3)

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.  Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.  For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and gladness are in His place.  Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength.  Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him.  Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!  Tremble before Him, all the earth.  The world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved.” 1 Chronicles 16:23-30 (NKJV)

Many years ago, my family moved to suburban Chicago.  Having never lived outside “Dixie,” we were so excited to learn that Chicago had “Little Italy” and “Chinatown” sections of the city, not to mention thriving Eastern European & Latino cultures.  Growing up in Arkansas, Taco Bell was the most exotic thing we ever experienced!  So, we would take these day trips to the various ethnic centers of Chicago, and the whole experience was amazing.  Still, even though we had a good time living among the hospitable Italians, Chinese, Polish, etc., for a day, there was the lingering reality that we were foreigners on their turf.  I never walked away from those areas of town with a compelling desire to learn their language, explore their literature & philosophers, or adopt their traditional dress, apart from the random T-shirt.  At the end of the day, we were sheep of a different fleece.

Whenever we read the TANAKH (Old Testament), it is easy to simply view the narrative as pure history with little to no application for today’s world.  And while there is a growing multitude of Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus), for the vast majority of Christians, the Old Testament recounts the history of a foreign people.  For so many folks, they might as well be reading about the history of the Ming Dynasty.  Perhaps that is why so few Christians read the Old Testament.  It may also explain why most Christians don’t read their New Testaments, either, for that matter.  After all, the entire Bible (Genesis-Revelation) is a Jewish book written by Jewish guys who primarily explain to other Jewish guys that Jesus is the Messiah.  All the while, they are trying to figure out how to cope with all those Gentiles who were coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah!

In today’s passage, the Lord reminds us that He is not just the God of Israel (the Jewish people).  Rather, He is the God of the whole earth!  After all, He created the whole earth with all its people.  All religion, apart from that written in the Bible, is man-made and, hence, false.  God’s hatred of false gods is inflexible; He says the world He created is firmly established and shall not be moved.  And He underscores Israel’s reason for existing as His “Chosen”: To glorify His Name and tell of His wondrous works, in the hope that people who are weak in their faith will be encouraged and that people who do not know Him will turn from their sin, embrace Him and His Word, and receive salvation. (Gen 22:15-18; Acts 17:22-31) This has ALWAYS been His desire for ALL people throughout history.  Biblical history is also OUR story.

“And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. He said to them, ‘You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.  For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.’ So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.”  1 Chronicles 15:11-15 (NKJV)

Today’s passage contains some information that is usually passed over whenever pastors teach the story of the Ark’s return.  Typically, the emphasis & application revolve around whether the ark was to be carried or carted.  Then, we become somewhat distracted by David’s scandalous, near-naked worship dancing.  (As would I if my pastor were to attempt a reenactment!)  But in chapter 15, we notice David rebuked the Levites, who either 1) rebelled against moving the ark away from the Tabernacle or 2) were ignorant of God’s requirements.  First, let’s consider God’s command for the Levites to bear the ark, literally to “shoulder” the burden.   No Levite should have been unaware of this most simple responsibility.

“At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day.”  Deuteronomy 10:8 (NKJV)

While we cannot be certain that the Levites were on board with the idea of David’s kingship or whether the ark should be moved, 1 Chronicles 13 gives us a clue as to the Levites’ potential ignorance concerning how to interface with the ark.

“And David said to all the assembly of Israel, ‘If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brethren everywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites who are in their cities and their common-lands, that they may gather together to us; and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.’” 1 Chronicles 13:2-3 (NKJV)

At some point during Saul’s reign, the Levites stopped inquiring of the Lord at the ark.  Most likely, they quit when God withdrew His counsel from Saul.  

“But Samuel said to Saul, ‘I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.’” 1 Samuel 15:26 (NKJV)

We, too, have a responsibility to “shoulder  .”And it seems that many believers in our generation have lost what it means to “take up your cross, daily.” (Luke 9:23)

“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, with masons and carpenters, to build him a house.  So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel.  Then David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David begot more sons and daughters. And these are the names of his children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.”  1 Chronicles 14:1-7 (NKJV)

On a fly-over, today’s chapter looks very positive.  Tyre’s king, Hiram, is building David a moth-proof (cedar) castle while the Lord guides David to victory over his most bitter enemies, the Philistines.  But check out the titles of chapters 13 & 15: The Ark Brought From Kirjath Jearim; The Ark Brought To Jerusalem.  All of the action from today’s chapter occurs when God’s ark is not in close proximity.  King Hiram promises to build David a house during a season when David is not regularly seeking the Lord.  Sure, when he needs to fight a battle, David seeks God, but allowing a foreign king (along with multiple marriages and children born to foreign women) to establish his “house” (dynasty)?  Not the type of thing we like to hear from the man “after God’s own heart.”  Eventually, in chapter 15, the ark returns.  Perhaps some guilt wells up in David as he gazes upon God’s tent.

“Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, that the king said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.’ Then Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.’ But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, ‘Go and tell My servant David, “Thus says the Lord: Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?”’” 2 Samuel 7:1-5 (NKJV)

Today, we have a stern reminder that our hope, security, and, dare we say, “dynasty” will never be firmly established through worldly channels.  And by no means will we establish God’s kingdom through worldly methods or strategic relationships with non-believers!  God does not need us to build His house; we need Him to build ours, through the One whose title is “Son of David,” Messiah Jesus.  (Matthew 1:1)

“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.  If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.  Your throne shall be established forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (NKJV)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Chronicles 13. Click the links below to watch or listen now

“Other Benjamites and men from Judah also went to David at the stronghold.  David went out to meet them and said to them, ‘If you have come in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you, but if you have come to betray me to my enemies even though my hands have done no wrong, may the God of our ancestors look on it and judge.’  Then the Spirit took control of Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: ‘We are yours, David, we are with you, son of Jesse!  Peace, peace to you, and peace to him who helps you, for your God helps you.  So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.” 1 Chronicles 12:16-18 (HCSB)

David was in a sticky situation.  He was running for his life, hiding in a cave (aka the stronghold), and he had no idea whom he could trust.  Then, people started showing up, ringing the doorbell, and asking if they could see David, the fugitive!  Think about it for a moment.  How secure was David’s stronghold if 400 strangers could find it?  For that matter, how stupid was Saul that he and his army could not find it?  Only the Lord can supply the friends you need while keeping your enemies at bay.   But I digress… The narrative (of the same instance in today’s passage) in 1 Samuel 22 helps us understand what a complicated situation David was dealing with.

“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam.  So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him.  So he became captain over them.  And there were about four hundred men with him.  Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, ‘Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.’ So he brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.” 1 Samuel 22:1-4 (NKJV)

When we combine the two instances (1 Chronicles 6 and 1 Samuel 22), we see that 400 men showed up, and David chose 30 to be captains over them.  Of what did David’s interview process consist?  One question with a caveat: “Do you come in peace, to help me?  If so, I will be united with you; if not, the Lord will be against you.” (Isaiah 48:22; Ezekiel 13:9-11)

I like how the Bible notes the response of Amasai came when, “the Spirit took control” of him.  The original language translates as “the Spirit clothed Himself with Amasai  .”Once Amasai had determined in his heart to follow David and fully immerse himself in that subordinate role, the Spirit-filled him as he uttered the words of allegiance.  Likewise, when we faithfully choose in our hearts to repent and follow the “Son of David,” Jesus (Matt 1:1), we receive the Holy Spirit, Who dwells inside us.

“Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (HCSB)