You're all set

Today: 1 Chronicles 22-24

The past few weeks, I’ve been traveling a lot…on a really big boat, planes, cars and right now, I’m actually on a train. It’s a really good feeling (especially at the airport) when you’ve checked in your bags, picked up your boarding pass, get through security and then hear these magical words: “You’re all set.” Love it!

In today’s passage, David said those great words to his son Solomon. But Solomon was set for so much more than planes, trains and automobiles. Take a look at David’s words to his son here:

"So now, son, God be with you.

God-speed as you build the sanctuary for your God,

the job God has given you.

And may God also give you discernment and understanding

when he puts you in charge of Israel

so that you will rule in reverent obedience

under God's Revelation.

That's what will make you successful,

following the directions

and doing the things that God commanded

Moses for Israel.

Courage!

Take charge!

Don't be timid;

don't hold back.

Look at this—

I've gone to a lot of trouble

to stockpile materials for the sanctuary of God…

And you're free to add more…

You're all set—get to work!

And God-speed!"

What I love about this passage is what it reveals about the concept of legacy. David left Solomon great wealth, but not just in material things. In this brief excerpt, we can see how David passed along spiritual guidance, encouragement and advice. But David set up his son with more than just words—he tangibly gathered things and people together to help Solomon complete his life’s work (building a temple for God). David never saw the temple, yet he sacrificed his time, wealth and energy to prepare for its existence.

As I read this passage, I looked at it from both ends—the David side of setting up someone else and the Solomon side of reaping benefits from previous generations. Here are a few simple questions that I’m asking myself…and maybe you want to ask them, too:

• How have you been “set up” by other people (family, friends, co-workers and complete strangers)? By God?
  
• What are you doing to set up someone else for his/her purpose?

Tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 25-27