Building Project

As King David entered the final years of his reign he began making arrangements for the continuation of his spiritual legacy and his legacy of godly leadership. To provide for the second he appointed his son Solomon as heir to his throne (I Chr 23:1, I Kgs 1:30). To provide for the first David revealed his plans to build a permanent temple, a house for the LORD God (I Chr 22:1). Although this structure is commonly referred to as Solomon’s Temple it was David who conceived the idea, designed the structure and raised the funds necessary to build it.

King David was just as human as we are and there is much we can learn from watching him in this process. "The task is great…" he said. He did not underestimate the size of his undertaking. He also recognized that it was not enough simply to build but that the way the building was accomplished was equally important. Why? Because this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God (I Chr 29:1). Its purpose was to glorify God, to tangibly represent some objective truth about Him. It is nonsense to think we can have a godly end while knowingly employing ungodly means or motivations. David knew that God was pleased with integrity and honest intent and that these virtues must be in the vanguard of any campaign to honor Him. David also knew that God had blessed him greatly. So to help pay for the project he set the example by giving a colossal amount to the building fund from his personal fortune. Has God blessed you in this way? If so, remember Christ’s words, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Lk 12:48). David’s example was imitated by the leaders of the people (I Chr 29:6). Of course, this is perfectly in keeping with Paul’s injunction that no one should give under compulsion, but willingly "because God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7).

The Israelites recognized God’s favor and considered it a privilege to give to such an endeavor: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?" As Californians it is tempting for us to think that something we have done or some intrinsic virtue resident in us has resulted in our present preeminent position as citizens of the wealthiest state in the wealthiest nation that has ever existed. But we do not possess this virtue nor does a right to prosperity exist. It is God who sovereignly bestows wealth and favor, and David knew this. "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand...as for all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You" (I Chr 29:14-16). This is Heaven’s view of wealth, one we do well to consider when it is time to give to God’s work.

David further notes that the people gave willingly. He prayed that God would "keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You" (I Chr 29:18). There is a direct connection between what we love and what we give to. Jesus said that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." For the redeemed, generosity toward God should be a way of life.

The result of all this? Celebration! Joy! "They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD that day" (I Chr 29:22). The connection between giving and joy is uncontestable. There was joy in giving to the building of the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple. New Testament believers joyfully gave to the needs of other believers. We need to join that happy throng! Do you want to be happy? Give!

So then, what finally happened to Solomon’s Temple? In the end it was desecrated, looted, burned and destroyed because God’s people had not kept their hearts loyal to Him. This is the final way in which the Temple glorified God. Its destruction dramatically testified that He is holy, just, and keeps His Word at all costs. Thankfully, our situation is different. We are going to tear down two buildings because 45 years of loyal ministry have worn these facilities out and caused us to outgrow them. Hallelujah! The message in both cases is that buildings are temporary but the blessings accruing from giving to God are eternal. God’s work moves forward and we are blessed in the process.

Progress Report: We are over 90% of the way towards our first goal of $1 million dollars. The building committee is interviewing architects. The first goal is in sight! Give to the building ministry.