18/11/2023 - THEY UNDERSTOOD THE SPIRIT

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Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly. 1 Chronicles 29.6

When the example is good, people follow it. So it was with David, who, in giving away a large fortune from his private treasury, was joined by the other authorities of Israel. He showed himself to be God-fearing and eager to see the temple built. When he learned that it would not be him, but Solomon, who would build the house of God, the king joyfully gave away the material he had saved for this great task!

Jesus is our Model. We must follow in His footsteps, walking everywhere, doing good to those oppressed by the devil (Acts 10.38). The Lord commanded us to do the same works that He did (John 14:12). No one will give better testimony to Christ than the saved ones dedicated to fulfill this guidance! Therefore, we must learn the lessons of the Bible to give Him the glory, honor, and power for having prepared eternal salvation for us.

The Master taught all that was good, leading people to understand and fulfill God’s plan for them. By acting like the Lord, we will bear good testimony to the Truth. But what He did not say must never be mentioned from the pulpit; otherwise it will bring strange fire to the altar of God. We have the true fire that came upon us in the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:12,13). Now, we must believe and go forth to accomplish God’s will!

Seeing the example of King David, the heads of the fathers and the princes of the tribes of Israel promptly did what the people of Judah had already accomplished. They recognized in the son of Jesse the anointing to offer so as to make the Almighty glad. By this they would not be confounded. When the work begins in God, everyone knows how to behave, but if it is man’s plan, nothing goes right. They would help Solomon in building the great temple.

On the military side, the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and hundreds, and even the captains of the king’s work voluntarily contributed. Offering from the heart is the best thing for a Christian to do. One should never offer something for God’s work with a closed heart: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

No one was forced into anything! They acted out of good heart, pleasure and gratitude. We should do the same when it comes to helping meet the needs of the temple. No doubt those who contribute generously and cheerfully will be rewarded as the Word promises. They would be glad to build the house of God. Is there any emotion that brings us more delight than that? We are the people whom the Lord has called into His Kingdom!

This unity is fundamental to carrying out the work. It will not be done properly where there is murmuring and distrust. If we respect God’s command in our lives, why should we fail to do what is best for His Kingdom? As you give, remember the divine promises and follow what the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart. The Lord will reward you!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares