At the end of 1 Chronicles, we see an account of the transition from David as king over Isreal, to Solomon, his son, whom the Lord appointed as heir to the throne. While many transitions of rulers had happened before, this one held remarkable significance within redemptive history. Not only was David God’s appointed ruler of Isreal, but, as 1 Samuel 13:14 tells us, he was sought out by God as one who was after His own heart. In a long line of rulers who’s track record was wrecked by human shortcomings, wickedness, shortsightedness, personal gain, and a failure to obey the Lord’s command, David’s entrance to the “king-scene” cannot be understated. And even though David’s moral failure stands as an example to each of us today, 1 Kings 15:5 still recorded that, “David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything the He commanded him all the days of his life…”  It was because of this faithfulness that we see in the previous verse that, “…for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem…”

As Capital City Church embarks on its own journey of a leadership transition this Sunday, February 4th 2018, 3 things found in 1 Chronicles 28 and 29 struck me as significant and applicable to our modern day story.

1. David’s Preparations | Leadership Is Multi-generational

1 Chronicles 28:2,6, “Then King David rose to his feet and said: ‘Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God…” but ” (the Lord) said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts…” Verses 11-18 then proceed to describe in detail all the preparations that David had made for the temple’s construction, all of which had been “…made clear… in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.” (28:19) Before, Solomon’s appointing as King.

Leadership is often like looking through a peephole, you are able to see what is beyond you, however, it is not always seen with proper proportion to the immediate. But the call of a leader is not to see fully nor even to always understand every part of the plan, but rather it is to walk in faithful obedience to the Lord as He provides the way. It was David’s earnest desire to build for the Lord an earthly temple befitting his glory, but it was the Lord’s plan that all of David’s preparations and efforts be for Solomon to carry out.

2. Solomon’s Charge | Leadership Is Partnership

28:9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind… If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house… be strong and do it.” 

28:20-21 “Then David said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officer and all the people will be wholly at your command.” 

David knew the task would not be easy nor would it be quick. Instead, it would take great perseverance, steadfastness, resoluteness, and a reliance on the Lord and those whom the Lord had prepared and trained to work alongside the task of the temple’s construction. Leadership necessitates resoluteness on the call and reliance on the One who calls and those whom he brings to labor with us. However, our assurance cannot lie in our ability, nor can it lie in the skillfulness of those around us, but it must be anchored in Christ and in Christ alone.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

Leadership can feel lonely at times but do not lose heart, you’re never alone.

3. David’s Devotion | Leadership Is Costly, but Worth It!

Verses 1-9 of chapter 29 give an account of the offerings that would be made for the temple’s preparations, wood, gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones. Some of which David had been storing up and some of which were brought as freewill offerings. However, in the middle of these verses, David makes a profound statement found in verse 3, “Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God.” 

This is no statement nor gesture of obligation on David’s part. Rather the beauty of the calling was so great that, in David’s heart and mind, it was worth his own personal treasure.

Leadership is costly, but it is absolutely worth it. When we consider the breadth of what was given to us in Christ, what the Father gave and what it secured on our behalf, how could we withhold even a portion for ourselves?  But why must we give at such a cost? Surely our time and efforts will suffice? They do, however, before the Lord, we must hold loosely to that which He gives for the work He calls us to. If it is time, allow Him to use it. If it is money, allow Him to spend it. If it is family, allow Him to care for it. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell in it! Will He not steward perfectly that which is already His and that which He loves? David’s devotion to the house of His God necessitated that he gave where it was most costly.

“I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and I rejoice to leave them there.” God the All ~ The Valley of Vision

Oh that our prayer would be as such! When that which holds our hearts so greatly is not what we have but what we can give, it is then that the Lord can and will use us in a significant way.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

This coming Sunday, I have the benefit (and great pleasure) of stepping into a co-labor of the building up Christ’s body, His church; it is not mine, it is His, and I rejoice to leave it there. The benefit for me comes at a great cost to others. Capital City Church has been faithfully stewarded by Rick & Kathy Martinez (my parents) for decades… DECADES! They have labored, counted the cost always, and held loosely what they held dearest. Because of their faithfulness, I now benefit. But I would be remiss if I didn’t take to heart that which I have just written. As quickly as I step in as primary leader, I too must begin to look ahead. Who does He call, and how can I play my part in building towards the next generation so that when the time comes, the foundation is firm, the walls are plumb, and all it needs is another faithful steward.

To Rick & Kathy, the Lord says well done my good and faithful servants… come and share your master’s happiness. Because of your faithfulness, the Lord has given you a lamp in Sacramento.

Matthew Martinez

Capital City Church © 2018