David's passion was worship.
Though his life was that of a warrior, a defender, a protector and a commander of the army of God's people, his personal desire was to build God's temple.
But God said, "No. That task is reserved for another."
Even though it was not David's calling, it was his passion. And because it was his passion, he gave everything he owned, his personal treasury, to the task. He also gave his son to accomplish the task. The blessing was bestowed upon Solomon.
"My son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
In order to do sacred work, David knew his son needed to understand a few things.
First of all, Solomon needed to ACKNOWLEDGE GOD. This is a statement of awareness. When we acknowledge God, we turn from idols that would distract or comfort us and move into true worship and labor for the LORD.
Solomon is then exhorted to serve God with WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION. This is focus. This is passion. This is the discipline of love.
A WILLING MIND is the next exhortation of blessing. Follow God willingly. Don't be rebellious or complaining. Delight in bridling the mind to the will of God.
In order to do the task God puts before us, in order to fulfill our calling, we will need STRENGTH. This not only refers to the physical energy needed to accomplish a task, this is the spiritual fortitude to stay on the task.
"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. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command."
Often we weaken and become cowardly because we believe we are alone in the calling. The strength and courage come when we realize the presence of God and God's faithfulness to provide all that is needed for the tasks to which God calls us. God will not forsake us midway through the calling. The One who begins the work in us is faithful to complete it. God does not leave a job half done.
In the tasks God assigns you, God also provides others to come and "help you in all the work." These obedient servants provide the network of laborers who come along side us.
All we need is the courage to begin, to labor and to finish the work set before us.
Has God called you to a ministry?
Has God given you a work to accomplish for God and God's people?
Do not delay.
Step up with courage and begin the work.
Do the work.
Today.
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