Leaving a Legacy

OT: 1 Chronicles 14-22
NT: Matthew 6

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1 Chronicles 22:5-6 — David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death. Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel.

Have you ever wondered what your children will think of you when you're gone? Have you wondered what kind of legacy you'll leave? Will it be godly or gaudy? Will it be worth repeating or only good for burial? David wanted badly to build a temple for the Lord. Ever since Mt. Sinai in 1446 B.C., the Ark of the Covenant, the physical symbol of the Lord's presence, was housed inside a tent of animal skins and wood beams. For 500 years it was constantly on the move, without a permanent resting place. So David wanted to build a grand temple — however, God wouldn't let him. You see, David was not a man of peace. He had killed many souls in his lifetime and had led many aggressive military and guerrilla campaigns. David had blood on his hands. So his hands were not allowed to build the holiest of houses.

Solomon, however, was a man who knew no war. He was wise and level-headed. So David did what any parent would want to do for their child -- he left a legacy and paved the way for his son to succeed. David wanted Solomon to have every advantage, just as you or I would want your child to have a smoother path in life. So David collected blueprints and building blocks, built alliances and left instructions, giving Solomon a great advantage that would simplify the task of building the Temple. What kind of legacy are you leaving your children? Are you looking for potential obstacles that might trip them up? Are you busy clearing away those obstacles?

Be God's.