daily bible readings

The Chronicler presents a very positive picture of David and Solomon’s reign. Even the briefest comparison with 1 and 2 Kings reveals the negative events of the reigns of both kings have been omitted.

The post-exilic Jews needed to see the consequences of, and blessings towards, a king who was a man after God’s own heart. Their future was uncertain and they needed the certainty of God’s faithfulness. Proper and fitting worship of God is provided for the readers as the best place to start.

The writer of Chronicles begins with God. He declares in1:1, “Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.”

God was with Solomon and Solomon wisely sought God at the commencement of his reign. He spoke to the commanders and leaders and brought them to high place at Gibeon to inquire of God at the Tent of Meeting that Moses had made in the wilderness.

The mention of Moses and the Tent of Meeting, together with the mention of Bezalel (who is only mentioned in Exodus and 2 Chronicles) serves to link Solomon with the wisdom of Moses. His building of the Temple will be parallel to the building of the Tabernacle directed and equipped by God in the wilderness so many years ago. The post-exilic Jews can be certain that God is with them because their leadership is seeking God and walking with God, wisely remaining in His pathways.

One begins to see the heart of God in the heart of Solomon. He inquired of the Lord and offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar before the Lord at the Tent of Meeting. Solomon clearly loved the Lord and sought to honour Him in all things.

Often we think of wisdom as something to ask God for in times of need and distress. Certainly, this is a part of wisdom as James 1:5 makes clear. But, wisdom is really an outflow of our worship of God. Wisdom flows out of a heart that is close to or akin to the heart of God. Wisdom is a product of our worship of God. If our worship of God is half-hearted and non-descript, our wisdom will follow.

Solomon was not half-hearted in his worship. He sought God and offered God the appropriate sacrifices. God was with Solomon and Solomon rightly sought God and inquired of Him.

As Christians, God is with us in the most amazing and awe-inspiring way. He is dwelling within us. We do not need an altar upon which to offer sacrifices for the Lamb of God, the once for all sacrifice, has been offered on our behalf. We offer the fruit of our lips, the sacrifice of praise that confesses His name. We offer our good deeds knowing that God is pleased with such sacrifices (Heb 13:15-16). We give to God our tithes and free will offerings as a fragrant offering to Him (Phil 4:18). We offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.

In today’s world, we need wisdom in great measure to shine the light of Jesus. The world is increasingly darkened by sin. Wisdom flows out of our worship.

Prayer:

Adoration:

• Adore God that He is so holy that He demands to be worshipped.
• Adore God that His holiness will be displayed to the whole world when Jesus is revealed and when Judgement day comes.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks:

• Thank God that He has given you all you need to live a life of worship.
• Thank God that He is pleased with your sacrifices of praise and your doing of good deeds (Heb 13:15-16).

Supplication:

• Pray that the Lord would teach us through the Word and the Spirit what it means to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to Him because of His mercy to us.
• Pray that we would see many come to Christ in repentance and faith as we worship Christ Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. Define “worship”.
2. What is the difference between OT worship and NT worship?