1 Chronicles 29:10-19
David is called by God “a man after My heart” (Acts 13:22). We wonder at times about this when we read of the egregious acts which David committed. However, our text today gives great insight into the heart of David, and helps to explain God’s assessment of him. It is an oft neglected piece of scripture which contains David’s prayer before assembled Israel as he commissions Solomon to build the temple. (Please read 1 Chronicles 28 and 29 for the full picture.)
David’s prayer is not one in which he is asking the Lord of anything, but is a prayer with primarily two elements: acknowledging God as sovereign over all the earth and recognizing man’s dependence upon Him for all things. David has been deeply moved by the generous outpouring of gifts for the construction of the temple, but He knows that this has all happened because of the Lord.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power...Yours is the dominion...” If only the world would see and accept this, so many things would be so much better. If only the church would see and accept this..! I know, we say we believe it, but do we live like we believe it? Hmmm? When some ruling by a court goes against our religious liberty, to whom do we look for relief? The courts? Lawyers? Politicians? Or to the Lord God?
“Both riches and honor come from you...in Your hand is power and might...” Is it true or not? Yes, we say it’s true. The question is: Is it true for you? David continues “...it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone...For all things come from You...” He sees God as the source of all blessings and the One who is able to reverse the fortunes of any person. Perhaps this is one reason why so many struggle even with the basics in life - they really don’t believe that the Lord is able help them out.
“For we are sojourners...tenants; ...all this abundance...to build You a house...is from Your hand...” A man after God’s own heart. No wonder David was so richly blessed by the Lord.