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Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org/ Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers May 11-17.
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CommentaryCommentary
All the commentary in this lesson is taken
from:
The Word in LifeThe Word in Life TM
Study BibleStudy Bible
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
1 Chronicles 22:5 NET David said, "My son Solomon is
just an inexperienced young man, and the
temple to be built for the LORD must be especially
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
magnificent so it will become famous and be considered splendid by
all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations
for its construction."
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
So David made extensive preparations before he died.
What are you doing that will enhance the effectiveness of those who follow you? As he neared the end of his life, David made extensive preparations to
allow his son Solomon to build the temple.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
In fact, even though the structure was commonly known as
Solomon’s temple, it could just as easily have been called
David and Solomon’s temple,
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
for the site, design of the architecture, collection of
materials and even worship format and instruments
were largely prepared by David prior to his death.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
David’s astute planning encourages us to ask: what sort of preparations are we
making for our successors? What kind of legacy are we
leaving behind?
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
At home, do we lead a life that will make it easier or harder for our children to understand and
follow God’s ways? Do we lead by example and mentor other
believers in understanding and following biblical principles?
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
In our work, are we leaving behind a history of
character and quality on which others can build? The
question of making preparations for our
successors raises the issue of mentoring.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
By passing on godly wisdom and council to younger
people, mentors can often make the difference
between success and failure in future generations.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
1 Chronicles 22:19 NET Now seek the LORD your God
wholeheartedly and with your entire being! Get up and build the sanctuary of
the LORD God!
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
Then you can bring the ark of the LORD's covenant
and the holy items dedicated to God's service into the temple that is built
to honor the LORD."
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
David’s admonition to Solomon to set his heart and soul to seek
the Lord is a good word for every believer today. It echoes
the great commandment to “love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
As you consider David’s advice, on what is your heart set, and for
what does your soul hunger? To a large extent how you answer
those two questions will determine what sort of person you are and
where your loyalties lie.
Making PreparationsMaking Preparations
Later David would claim, “With my whole heart I
have sought [the Lord].” What are you seeking
with your heart and soul?
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
1 Chronicles 28:8 NET So now, in the sight of all Israel, the LORD's assembly, and in the hearing of our God, I
say this:
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
Carefully observe all the commands of the LORD your God, so that you may possess this good
land and may leave it as a permanent inheritance for your children after you.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
The idea that public officials need to be publicly accountable was a fundamental principle for
David. Thus he charged the leaders of the kingdom "in the sight of all Israel" to follow the
ways of the Lord.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
Visibility is an essential part of accountability. By setting
themselves under the scrutiny of others, leaders help to ensure that their actions and decisions will be
aboveboard—or at least that others will be able to pass judgment on what is done.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
David's charge to Israel's leadership
suggests three ways to handle accountability and maintain integrity:
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
(1) Allow others to review plans and performance. David had developed plans for the temple with the Lord's help.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
But as he passed them on to Solomon, he pointed out that many professionals and craftsmen were available to refine the plans and carry out the work.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
(2) Act within a community of others. Leaders need others for advice and perspective. David called on the entire community of Israel to work together with his son to accomplish the construction of the temple.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
(3) Acknowledge God's presence in everything. This was the most important objective of all.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
Solomon and his leaders needed to seek out the Lord's commandments and fear Him in everything they would do. He was the One to whom they were ultimately accountable.
Public AccountabilityPublic Accountability
Do you place yourself under this kind of accountability?
Are you involved with others in a way that protects and
promotes your integrity and development?
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
1 Chronicles 28:11 NET David gave to his son Solomon the
blueprints for the temple porch, its buildings, its
treasuries, its upper areas, its inner rooms, and the
room for atonement.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
12 He gave him the blueprints of all he
envisioned for the courts of the LORD's temple, all the surrounding rooms,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
the storehouses of God's temple, and the storehouses
for the holy items. 13 He gave him the regulation for the divisions of priests and
Levites,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
for all the assigned responsibilities within the
LORD's temple, and for all the items used in the service
of the LORD's temple.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning14 He gave him the
prescribed weight for all the gold items to be used
in various types of service in the LORD's
temple,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
for all the silver items to be used in various types of service, 15 for the gold
lampstands and their gold lamps,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
including the weight of each lampstand and its
lamps, for the silver lampstands, including
the weight of each lampstand and its lamps,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
according to the prescribed use of each lampstand, 16 for the gold used in the
display tables, including the amount to be used in each
table,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
for the silver to be used in the silver tables, 17 for the pure gold used for the meat forks, bowls,
and jars,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
for the small gold bowls, including the weight for each bowl, for the small silver bowls, including
the weight for each bowl,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
18 and for the refined gold of the incense altar.
He gave him the blueprint for the seat of the gold cherubim that
spread their wings
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planningand provide shelter for the
ark of the LORD's covenant. 19 David said,
"All of this I put in writing as the LORD directed me
and gave me insight regarding the details of the
blueprints."
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
In today's world, planning is often thought to be a valuable skill possessed innately by born leaders
or developed over time in experienced managers.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
But Scripture describes a further dimension to planning—the
wisdom of God's Spirit.As David crafted plans for the
temple, he was apparently given insight into what the Lord
wanted.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
His description of the planning process is interesting: "The
LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans."
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
It was as if God had given David a blueprint for the
project.This was not the first time that the Lord had provided
plans for construction.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
Noah was told to build a boat and given details for its design and use. Likewise, Moses was
given exceedingly detailed plans for the tabernacle and the
worship to take place in it.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
Does God reveal plans like that to people today? Perhaps not in
quite the same way. Nevertheless, the Holy
Spirit is available to every believer for help in planning
and preparation.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
Based on what we know about the Spirit's work, especially
from the New Testament, we can identify at least three
characteristics of Spirit-filled planning that apply to most
situations:
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
(1) Spirit-filled planning focuses on revealing and glorifying God's character. Jesus said that one important aspect of the Spirit's work is to bring glory to Jesus by revealing the things of Jesus.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
Thus as we plan with the Spirit's help, He enables us to arrange things in a way that honors the Lord and His values.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
(2) Spirit-filled planning prepares the way for others to succeed. David's preparations for the temple enabled Solomon to successfully complete the project.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
While it would be a mistake to say that God always wants His people to succeed in terms of success as the world measures it, He does want His people to accomplish meaningful, productive work.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
Thus Spirit-filled planning seeks to help people meet needs and serve the Lord with their abilities and resources, and not just benefit themselves.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
(3) Spirit-filled planning has breadth (vision) and depth (detail). In other words, God cares about the entirety of a project. He is as interested in our means as our ends.
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
He not only wants us to honor Him in the big picture, but in the nitty-gritty as well. As we plan, the Spirit wants to help us achieve God's ultimate objective,
Spirit-Filled PlanningSpirit-Filled Planning
the "praise of His glory", and also carry out His will in specific, measurable ways. The Spirit is not limited by our needs, experiences, or desires.
From One Generation to From One Generation to AnotherAnother
Psalms 145:4 NET One generation will praise your deeds to another,
and tell about your mighty acts!
From One Generation to From One Generation to AnotherAnother
Faith is never more than one generation away from
extinction. That's why it is crucial that parents help their children to understand who God is and to take their first steps in walking with Him.
From One Generation to From One Generation to AnotherAnother
There are many ways to do that, including telling stories about
the mighty things that God has done. What are you
communicating to your children and grandchildren concerning
the Lord and His ways?
From One Generation to From One Generation to AnotherAnother
Psalm 145 encourages older generations to pass down a legacy of praise to the Lord. Certainly the Lord is worthy,
of praise; but do our children know that?
Good To AllGood To All
Psalms 145:9 NET The LORD is good to all, and has
compassion on all he has made.
Good To AllGood To All
Perhaps you have the subtle belief that God's goodness
extends only to certain people. If this is your understanding, then
consider the truth of Psalm 145 —the Lord is good to
all. (Psalm 145:9)
Good To AllGood To All
(It is instructive to look at how many times the word "all" is
used in this psalm.)Does it seem hard to believe that
God's goodness extends to everyone in the world?
Good To AllGood To All
Then consider that God is the source of all goodness, (Luke 18:19;
James 1:17) and He reaches out to all the people of the world with the
good news of His love. (John 3:17; 2 Pet.
3:9) For that reason He is near to "all who call upon Him"
Praise for God the Creator Praise for God the Creator
Psalm 104 reads like an eyewitness account of God's
creation of the world. Structured much like Genesis 1,
Psalm 104 takes us on a spectacular tour in praise of the
Lord's handiwork,
Praise for God the Creator Praise for God the Creator from the immensity of star-
spangled skies to the seemingly insignificant habitats
of Middle Eastern wildlife.Psalms 104:10 NET He turns springs
into streams; they flow between the mountains.
Praise for God the Creator Praise for God the Creator
11 They provide water for all the animals in the field; the wild donkeys quench their
thirst. 12 The birds of the sky live beside them; they chirp
among the bushes.
Praise for God the Creator Praise for God the Creator
13 He waters the mountains from the upper rooms of his
palace; the earth is full of the fruit you cause to
grow.
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
14 He provides grass for the cattle, and crops for people
to cultivate, so they can produce food from the
ground, 15 as well as wine that makes people feel so
good,
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
and so they can have oil to make their faces shine, as well as food that sustains people's lives. 16 The trees
of the LORD receive all the rain they need,
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
the cedars of Lebanon which he planted, 17
where the birds make nests, near the
evergreens in which the herons live.
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
18 The wild goats live in the high mountains; the rock badgers find safety in the cliffs. 19 He made the moon to mark the
months,
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
and the sun sets according to a regular schedule. 20
You make it dark and night comes, during
which all the beasts of the forest prowl around.
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
21 The lions roar for prey, seeking their food from God. 22 When the sun
rises, they withdraw and sleep in their dens
Praise for God the CreatorPraise for God the Creator
23 Men then go out to do their work, and labor away until evening.
Praise for God the Creator Praise for God the Creator
Not only has God created the world. He sustains it with loving attention. His concern extends even to the needs of birds and animals, for which He provides
food and drink.
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
Scripture shows clearly that the Lord watches over every aspect of
the creation, including its conservation. For example:
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
• In the beginning, God commanded Adam and Eve to cultivate and keep the garden. That kind of stewardship will rule out wanton destruction
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
• Later, God was sorry that He had created humans because of their wickedness. So He determined to destroy everyone through a flood. However, He saved not only Noah and his family, but animals as well.
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
•After the Flood, God made a covenant that "never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood."
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
• Later, God instructed the Hebrews to allow their cropland to be rested (left fallow) every seventh year in order to rejuvenate it and preserve it.
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
• The Law also prohibited the unnecessary destruction of fruit and nut trees and the killing of mother birds even for food.
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
God cares about what He has created, and He has charged us as people to
wisely manage those resources, to use them for our good and for His glory.
God And The EnvironmentGod And The Environment
As we face increasingly complex environmental issues, we need to view the earth as a sacred trust from God's hands, for which He will hold us accountable. If He
cares about every single creature on the planet, shouldn't we?
Rejoicing in UnityRejoicing in Unity
National unity is a valuable asset for any people. The Israelites
especially needed unity during the first days of
David's reign.
Rejoicing in UnityRejoicing in Unity
Under Saul, they had been divided over whether to
continue supporting their troubled king whom God
had rejected and who more and more rejected God.
Rejoicing in UnityRejoicing in Unity
Psalms 133:1 GNB How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God's
people to live together in harmony!
Rejoicing in UnityRejoicing in Unity
Psalms 133:1 MKJV A Song of degrees; of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for
brothers to dwell together in unity!
Preserving UnityPreserving Unity
Without question, unity among relatives and members of the same community is good and
pleasant. (Ps. 133:1) But unity must not only be attained, it must be
carefully preserved.
Preserving UnityPreserving Unity
For more on how believers can maintain unity, especially in the
face of conflict, see Christ's instructions for handling
offenses between believers in Matt. 18:15-35.
Preserving UnityPreserving Unity
You'll find a cautious and careful process to be
pursued, with the goal of restoration driving the
entire procedure.
The Great King Is PraisedThe Great King Is Praised
Psalm 72 celebrates the zenith of Israel's kingdom under Solomon. Justice and righteousness prevail, the Israelites dominate the ancient
Middle East, the people live in prosperity, and God is worshiped
and feared.
The Great King Is PraisedThe Great King Is Praised
In short, the covenant is being fulfilled. (compare Deut.
28:1-14) This psalm is also believed to refer to the reign of the Messiah.
The Great King Is PraisedThe Great King Is Praised
Psalms 72:1 NET
O God, grant the king the ability to make just
decisions! Grant the king's son the ability to
make fair decisions!
An Anthem For The KingAn Anthem For The King
Psalm 72 may have been a coronation anthem or a
theme played on occasions of state. However, the king
hailed in this psalm is highly idealized.
An Anthem For The KingAn Anthem For The King
No king from Israel's history lived up to the profile celebrated
here. Who is this ideal king? We can gain some clues to his identity by observing how this
psalm describes him:
An Anthem For The KingAn Anthem For The King
He will bring justice to the poor.He will bring peace throughout
the land.He will save the children of the
needy.He will end political oppression.
An Anthem For The KingAn Anthem For The King
He will bring abundance and prosperity to both the country and the city.
His kingdom will be worldwide and will last forever.
Only one ruler matches this description perfectly—"the LORD
God, the God of Israel"
An Anthem For The KingAn Anthem For The King
He is the ideal King. Yet His righteous rule sets a pattern for human political leaders
to pursue. To that end, they deserve our prayers and
support.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
Psalms 72:2 NET Then he will judge your people fairly, and your oppressed
ones equitably.Because history includes many
cases of people in authority
abusing their power,
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
some people are skeptical about the nature of power. They have
concluded that power by its very nature is corruptive. But
while the Bible is realistic about the tendency of sinners to
abuse power,
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
it also gives examples of rulers who used their authority wisely and
with godly integrity. Although it is generally believed to refer
prophetically to the Messiah, Psalm
72 also sets forth principles for a godly use of power.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
The piece was composed either by or for Solomon, who exercised
more power during his reign than any the other Israelite kings,
including his father David. Psalm 72 suggests a number of practical ways a ruler can use power.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
To judge with righteousness and justice.
To bring peace to the people, and to restrain crime and violence.
To bring justice to the poor and the children of the needy, and to allocate resources in a way that is compassionate
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
To undo the work of oppressors, and to prevent the powerful from hurting the little people.
To gain the respect and support of the citizens.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
That is how a ruler can exercise power. On the other side of the
power equation are those affected by the leader's use of
power. They include:
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
The people of the nation, who will respond with respect and admiration.
The poor among the people.The children of the needy, who
have little stake in the community.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
Those who oppress others, who will be hindered in their abusive tendencies.
Neighboring nations, who will pay respect.Many areas of life are affected:
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
Nature and agriculture.Human relationships.The economy.International relations.The future.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
If you are in a position of authority and power over
other people, consider the influence you have,
and how you can use it in ways that honor the Lord.
The Godly Use Of PowerThe Godly Use Of Power
Are there changes you need to make in the way you exercise authority? Are you living up to the godly ideals of Psalm 72?
The Emperor of IsraelThe Emperor of Israel
Psalms 72:8 NET May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River
to the ends of the earth!
Solomon, by whom or for whom Psalm 72 was
composed, (see the title)
The Emperor of IsraelThe Emperor of Israel
effectively controlled an empire-like territory that stretched from
the Euphrates to the Mediterranean, and from Asia Minor to the Gulf of Aqaba and
Egypt. (compare Psalm 72:8)
Gifts from ShebaGifts from Sheba
Psalms 72:10 NET The kings of Tarshish and the
coastlands will offer gifts; the kings of Sheba
and Seba will bring tribute.
Gifts from ShebaGifts from Sheba
The queen of Sheba visited Solomon and presented him
with an unprecedented abundance of gold, jewels, and spices. The names Sheba and
Seba (Psalm 72:10) probably referred to
Gifts from ShebaGifts from Sheba
two kingdoms in or near the mountainous portion of southwest Arabia (now
Yemen). They controlled muchof the trade from India and
eastern Africa with the Middle East.
The Worship of KingsThe Worship of Kings
Psalms 72:11 NET All kings will bow down to him; all nations will serve him.
The composer of Psalm 72 recognized that if Israel's king served the Lord and ruled with integrity, other rulers would be attracted to the God of Israel.
The Worship of KingsThe Worship of Kings
That is exactly what happened in the reign of Solomon. The queen of Sheba journeyed to Jerusalem
not merely to see Solomon's impressive building or to negotiate strategic trading agreements, but to learn more about Solomon's
God.
The Worship of KingsThe Worship of Kings
This responsibility of the Israelite kings to attract
other leaders to the Lord was something that
Solomon's father David originally envisioned.
Our ApplicationOur Application
What are you doing that will enhance the effectiveness of
those who follow you? What are you seeking with your heart and soul? On what is your
heart set, and for what does your soul hunger?