By Robin Sam
‘Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly’ (1 Chronicles 29:9).
KING David wanted to build the temple of God himself but God had other plans, He told David that his son Solomon would build the temple because David had shed much blood. That did not deter the king from giving to God for the cause of the temple. What he gave for the building of the temple is listed in 1 Chronicles 29:3-5. After he himself gave what he had been gathering over the years for the temple work, he gave a call to the people: ‘Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?’
The one who asks others to give must be first a giver himself. That’s what David’s life teaches us.
As a shepherd, he gave some of Israel’s sweetest songs to the Lord. As a young warrior, he gave himself to vindicate the Name of the Lord against the Philistine giant. As a king, he set an example to the people in following the statutes of God. And finally as a builder, he offered gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, precious stones and marble slabs from his personal collection. David’s exemplary attitude in giving inspired others to give too.
We read that the people offered willingly. True happiness is found in giving to God’s work. The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
May you have the same attitude of David vis-a-vis giving to God and His work! It is not in vain to give to God. He knows how to reward those who trust him with his riches. ‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Amen.
Have a blessed day! Read another devotional.
Robin Sam is a preacher, Bible teacher and missions worker. He works in Messenger Missions, a Gospel proclaiming ministry and edits The Christian Messenger magazines in English and Tamil.
