David called for a special collection; an offering; a
passing of the plate. First, he described to the assembly what he had collected
and what he had given (1st Chronicles 29:2-3). Then, with a reminder
that the palace (temple) was "
...not for man, but for God," David invited his people to give toward
the completion of the project.
Notice the manner in which the people gave. Most
importantly, the people didn't give grudgingly or vainly. They didn't have to
be coerced to give... 1st Chronicles 29:6 says that what they gave,
they offered willingly. And, they didn't give out-of-style clothing, canned
pumpkin or worn out vacuum cleaners. They gave gold, silver, brass, iron and
precious stones. And 1st Chronicles 29:9 says that " ...the people rejoiced ... because
with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD..."
Now, check out the vitally poignant thought that is tucked
away in verse 15. Concerning returning God's own things to Him, David prayed,
"We are strangers before thee, and
sojourners... our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none
abiding." Gifts from a shadow... meditate on that! When you and I are dead and gone we will have
had little more effect on this world than a shadow has when it passes over the
ground. Now, what tangible contribution can a shadow make? Well, momentary
refreshment perhaps, that about it.
So anyway, David called for an offering and commanded his
people to worship (1st Chronicles 29:20)... as 3000 animals were
killed, bled and burned before God on that day. Then, David begged God to bless
Solomon with a good heart. At the end of
this chapter, Solomon was king, David was in Paradise and God was honored.
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