Tag Archives: 1 Chronicles 28

Inspire, But Remember

July 1, 2024 Tom Vander Well 1 Comment

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

Along my life journey, I’ve observed that both politicians and pundits like to connect Presidents with their predecessors. I’ve seen it on both sides. Dan Quayle famously got in trouble by trying to wear the mantel of John Kennedy in a debate with Lloyd Bentsen. I’ve observed that pro-government candidates often reference FDR or have the connection applied to them. Andrew Jackson is mentioned consistently in reference to our current populist candidate. I’m just pointing out that it’s a thing.

In today’s chapter, the Chronicler tells of David passing the plans for the Temple to his son, Solomon, and tasks the crown prince with carrying out the work. There are two fascinating observations on which I meditated in the quiet this morning.

The first observation is that the Chronicler, once again, chooses to present David in an idyllic fashion. It’s a very different retelling than is recorded in the Samuel account. There is no mention of David being infirm and bedridden in his old age. Nor is there any mention of the machinations and intrigue within the Royal family and court concerning succession. He also fails to mention the political rumblings and dissent within the Kingdom. The Chronicler chooses to simply tell of an event at which David clearly communicates that Solomon is his God-ordained successor and the son chosen by God to carry out the plans God had given him for the construction of the Temple.

The second observation is that the Chronicler, much like a modern-day pundit viewing a President as the 2nd coming of one of their predecessors, is silently presenting David to his readers as the 2nd coming of Moses. Moses received the Law and plans for the original traveling tent Temple (called the Tabernacle) from God on Mount Sinai. Moses was not allowed to go into the Promised Land, but gave the task to Joshua with the command to “Be strong and courageous.” Here David claims to have received the plans for the Temple from God. He is not allowed to build the Temple but gives the task to Solomon with the command to “Be strong and courageous.”

The Chronicler is writing roughly 600 years after the events of today’s chapter and 1000 years after Moses. As we near the end of David’s story, I observe that the Chronicler has been very consistent in his treatment of David’s story. Throughout, he has stuck to presenting the most positive aspects of David and his reign. His motivation is to provide his people with the inspiration to see themselves in the same Great Story carrying on the same great task with strength and courage. The truth is that I commonly observe the same thing being done with both the Great Story and general history today.

In the quiet this morning, I find myself reminded of the sage of Ecclesiastes who tells us there’s a time and purpose for everything under heaven. There are times when I need an inspirational reminder of historical people and events. There are also times when I need to be reminded that history is never as idyllic as it is often presented.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.

Chapter-a-Day

Be Strong and Courageous, and DO THE WORK

July 16, 2014 Tom Vander Well 3 Comments

Pablo Picasso created more schlocky crap than any artist in history. Picasso, however, was always at work. His life was a non-stop stream of artistic output. His home and studio were packed to the gils with his work. It was his manic output, it can be argued, that took him in directions no one imagined. Amidst the steady stream of creative work, a masterpiece would occasionally emerge that would forever change the direction of art and history.

Most artists I know (whether it be visual artists, writers, musicians, craftsman, artisans, or playwrights) are afraid to do the work. Afraid of criticism, afraid of producing bad art, afraid of the voices in their head, afraid of revealing their heart, afraid of what the parents will say, afraid of being successful, afraid of being a failure, etc., etc., and etc.

“Inspiration will come,” Picasso said, “but it must find you working.”

Several years ago I memorized the above verse from this morning’s chapter. One of the things that I love about God’s Message is that I will occasionally find layers of personal meaning unintended in the original context. David, the warrior, poet, and song writer, was encouraging his son Solomon, the young philosopher, poet, and song writer, to be diligent in accomplishing the work of building the temple. Solomon’s temple, built from his father’s inspiration, plans, blueprints, would become one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

In my writing, acting, and artistic output, I desire to follow Picasso’s example: fearlessly cranking out the work so that inspiration (literally meaning “Spirit breathing into”) will find me at work and will once in a while produce through me something worthwhile. Yet I am susceptible to fear, anxiety, timidity and sloth like almost every other child of the Creator I know. I need encouragement. And so, years ago, I memorized and internalized David’s message to Solomon. By repeating it in my head, my heart hears my Creator, Father God speaking directly to me:

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the Lord is finished.”

Chapter-a-Day

Chapter-a-Day 1 Chronicles 28

August 2, 2010 Tom Vander Well 1 Comment

David continued to address Solomon: “Take charge! Take heart! Don’t be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this; he won’t walk off and leave you in the lurch.” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (MSG)

I know a person with big dreams. Almost every conversation I’ve had with my friend revolved around their next great idea. The common thread in each conversation is that they will make a lot of money for which they won’t have to work very hard. Content to have faith in the next great brainstorm, this person avoided college altogether. Their life has been an endless string of menial jobs while they dreams up the next get rich quick scheme.

I can’t really point the finger at this person without three fingers pointing back at me. When I think about it, my interaction with this person have always prompted me to examine my own life. I have my own pile of big ideas and great intentions that lack the initiative to get off my butt and accomplish them.

I love David’s final admonishment to Solomon. David could provide Solomon with everything necessary to build the temple, but Solomon would have to have the initiative and perseverance to start it and then see it done. “Be strong and courageous and do the work.”

Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have some work to do.

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and asurroca