— Chapter Twenty-Four —
In the twenty-ninth chapter of the Old Testament book of I Chronicles, King David’s heart was overflowing with joy. He, along with the people of the land, generously donated all the gold and supplies that would be needed to build a temple for God’s glory. “It will be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands,”78 King David announced. Adulation sprang up in the hearts of everyone. Solomon, King David’s son, would superintend the construction. How exciting this time must have been!
When people overheard the workers talk about the plans, exhilaration must have spread like wildfire. According to the blueprints, gold was everywhere: on the walls, inlaid in the floors, and over the doors. Gold cherubim would stand as sentries on either side of the ark.79 Silver, brass, and bronze, together with iron, cedar, and marble were part of the structure. Courtyards would glisten with inlaid precious stones. A beautiful veil with an artistic design would be woven with blue, purple, and scarlet threads.80 One thousand years later, that same veil would be torn in two the hour Jesus died.
Upon completion, the splendor and grandeur must have been absolutely indescribable. As the sun shone over this completed temple, the precious metals must have glistened more brilliantly than the brightest fireworks on the Fourth of July! Perhaps it was a glimpse of the majesty and splendor of heaven.
King David, now late in years, praised the Lord in the sight of all the assembly because “…the people had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart” (I Chronicles 29:9).
“Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
“Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name” (I Chronicles 29:11, 12 NIV, emphasis added).
These verses seemed to shout, “Look at God! There is greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. This is who He is! But look one more time. Look at what He offers. Power! Strength! It’s right there in His hands. He has power to make men great and to strengthen everyone!”
God held out His hands and asked, “Donna, I have within My hands power that will make you great for My sake. Won’t you ask Me for what I want so much to give you?”
This is the God to whom I come! It is to Him I bring the heaviness of my heart. This God meets with me and listens, speaks to my heart through His Word and His Spirit. It is to this God I have cried in my pain, “God, please help me. Fill my loneliness. Strengthen me.
“Just as David lifted his hands and praised You, so I lift my hands to You, my Living God! I don’t stand before heaps of great wealth as David, but before broken pieces of my life.
“Lord, what is Your blueprint for me? I want You to rebuild my life. Take my pieces and make me into a temple who honors You. Pour a new foundation from Your love, joy, and peace. Hew beams with Your power so that I will stand victoriously. Cover me with a tapestry woven from threads of kindness, gentleness and praise!”81
“Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, And lifts the needy from the ash heap, To make them sit with princes, With the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 113:5-9 NASB, emphasis added).
Copyright 2001, 2004 Donna Christensen
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Published Online by: The Biblical Reader
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