David’s Preparations

In 1 Chron 17 we see David requesting of the Lord to build a temple for the ark of the covenant to reside.  His heart was that he should not be residing in the splendor of a palace of cedar while the ark was in a tent.  God spoke through the prophet Nathan that he should not be the one to build the temple, but that he was going to raise up his offspring to succeed him and the Lord would establish him.  “He would be the one who will build a house for me and I will establish his throne forever.” (1 Chron 17:12).

My first thought when I read that is that would have been a difficult word to hear.  My desire is to push through when I have a great idea and make it happen!  David had the ability, the resources, and the knowledge to move forward with the temple and his desire was certainly coming from the right place-to give honor and glory to his Lord and honor Him properly by building the temple.

Upon hearing what God had planned for the building of the temple, David changed the course of his thinking.  David not only listened to the Lord and did not build the temple himself, but he prepared for his son to do the will of the Lord.  He made preparations for him!  He appointed stonecutters to prepare the stone, he provided large amounts of iron to make the nails and fittings, he provided more bronze than could be weighed.   He also provided more cedar logs than could be counted.  David made extensive preparations before his death. 

Takeaway

God may be calling us to prepare the way for his will to be done through someone else!

Are we willing to humble ourselves and not just accept that the Lord may choose to use someone else to bring about great things, but can we take it to the next level and make preparations for the success of the Lord’s calling in others?  How exciting to take part in the feast by preparing the table for a banquet enjoyed by others! 

Prayer

Take away any selfish desires I may have for success to be through me, Father.  May I desire to see your will be done regardless of who will be at the forefront of the implementation.  May we delight in serving you by preparing the way for others!