Daily Manna – March 10, 2016
Topic: Building together
Reading: 1Chronicles 22
Scripture: And David commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying. (1Chron 22:17)
Note: David’s managerial dexterity is a manifestation of kingly leadership at its best. He was nearing his death. The purpose driven desire on his heart was to build a magnificent place of worship to God. But that was not God’s plan. David’s son, Solomon, had the divine mandate to build the temple. Solomon was young, tender and inexperienced. He hadn’t fought any war yet, to understand the weight of carrying the burden of the nation on his feeble shoulders.
David understood the transitional difficulties Solomon could possibly go through when entrusted ultimately with the leadership of the nation. The princes of Israel had stood with David through thick and thin. He could trust their loyalty, wisdom, knowledge of the terrain and the enormous experience they have had fighting major wars with David. Collectively, their combined experience, wisdom and understanding that they possessed could be tapped to the advantage of Solomon in the building of the temple.
David left no room for a possible expensive error by Solomon. Aware that young people have a propensity to ignore the valuable advice from elders in preference to inexperienced advice from their peers that may seem more trendy, the vogue in town and appealing to their youthful exuberance, David took the preemptive steps as a leader necessary to avoid such dangerous pitfall by sensitising the princes himself. This is a classic demonstration of foresight and experience.
As part of David’s preparations before his death, he ensured a seamless alignment of the new order with the old in relation to the leadership of the nation. This canvas for the support of the reign of Solomon was to serve as the critical difference between Solomon and his successor, Rehoboam, in whose reign the kingdom of Israel became divided into two nations; Judah and Israel.
Food for thought: Knowledge, wisdom, experience and understanding can never be discounted in the building of a nation.
Declaration: Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord. (1Chron 22:19)
© Author: Rev Fred Aboe
