Over the past 2 Sundays, Rev. McLaughlin has been preaching from 1 Chronicles 22v19, with the subject of How to build a house for God.
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.
- The context to be considered.
King David, even though he is an old man, is still on the throne of Israel. David commissions Solomon to build a magnificent house to the God of Israel. (1Chr.22v6) David under the guidance of the Spirit of God, drew up the plans for the whole temple complex at Jerusalem. God prohibited David from engaging in the actual building program because he was a man of war v.8. David, however, made great provision for the house of God long before the work started. David also charged the princes and the people and gave them the privilege of co-operating and participating in this great work v17-19.
This is not just a great piece of ancient history. David’s vision to build a marvelous house for God becomes a present continuous reality when we fast forward to New testament times. There is a wonderful spiritual parallel between King Solomon and the Lord Jesus Christ. We who are saved, are the house of the Lord today, Hebrews 3v6, 1 Peter 2v5, Ephesians 2v19-22
- The Charge to be considered
Agonising Prayer – In David’s charge to the princes, the first thing he mentions is prayer. The church can do nothing without prayer. The bible is full of exhortations, encouragements and examples to pray. A prayerless church is a powerless church.
Arousing participation – “Arise therefore”, this is a call to sleepy saints to spiritually awake from slumber. Romans 13v11. Remember the parable of the Ten virgins, they were all foolish and slept. Proverbs 24v30, Beware the field of the slothful.
An actual plan – “Build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God.” 1 Cor.3v10 Paul’s exhortation is to take heed how ye build. David had a vision for God’s house. What type of house did he want to build? 1Chr.22v5 A magnificent house, a house worthy of Him, a house for His glory. What is such a house like? Spiritually it’s known for the beauty of its holiness, purity and simplicity of worship, the unity of the Spirit, faithfulness to the Word of God, and the practical exercise of God’s love.
Abundant preparation – Think of what David did. He prepared abundantly before his death. V.5. Spiritually the Lord Jesus as the foundation stone, cornerstone, head of the Church, wise masterbuilder and divine occupant of His house. He made abundant provision for it by his life of obedience to the law of God and his death at Mount Calvary.
Authoritative proclamation – (Bring) Romans 1v16-17 Romans 10v17 Mark 16v15
- The Completion to be considered
“That is to be built in the name of the Lord.” One day this work was carried out to completion, it was actually built and the house opened and the people tasted of and basked in the glory of God. We can do the same spiritually.
