David Is a Good Example of How We Should Live
As David’s reign as king comes to an end and he prepares to hand things over to Solomon, he calls “all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men— every mighty man of valor.” (1 Chronicles 28:1)
He tells them that it was “in his heart to build a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, but God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My Name, because you are a man of war who has shed blood.’” (1 Chronicles 28:2-3)
God chose David out of all his father’s house to be king over Israel.
David did what God said. He surrendered to God. Even though he had made plans and gathered materials, he did not build the temple. He followed God’s instructions and passed the responsibility of building it on to Solomon. This was a great project because it was a palace, not for man, but for God. (1 Chronicles 29:1)
David concludes with a blessing that summarizes Pastor Lisa’s sermon series about David having a heart like His:
“’Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You.
“Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.
“Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.
“O Lord our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You.
I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart …
“O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire forever in the intentions of the hearts of Your people, and direct their hearts toward You. And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.’
“Then David said to the whole assembly, ‘Bless the Lord your God.’” (1 Chronicles 29:10-20)
David was not perfect, but he was a man after God’s own heart. He desired to live his life the way God wanted him to. This is what God wants for all of us.
We need to align our hearts with God’s.
This includes:
- Having courage
- Being confident
- Trusting God
- Being devoted
- Having integrity
- Being prayerful
- Being worshipful
- Being repentant
- Being obedient
- Surrendering to God
David gives us a good example of how we can live a life after God’s own heart. Now it’s up to you: Will you choose God or the world?
