1 Chronicles 15:1–16:36
David built houses for himself, but the emphasis of this chapter is the Tabernacle of the Lord…and not just the Tabernacle, but the Ark of the Covenant which symbolized the presence of God.
Back in 1 Chronicles 13 we read about the error David made in not transporting the Ark according to the Scriptures. It ended in the death of Uzza. This time, however, David does it right, he learned from his tragic mistake.
1 Chronicles 15:2 (NKJV) “Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.”
1 Chronicles 15:13 (NKJV) “For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
David made it not only a holy celebration but a joyful celebration. He made sure the participants sanctified themselves. And he made sure there was plenty of praise and worship – singers, with stringed instruments, trumpets, cymbals and resounding joy.
David was unashamed in his worship of God. He danced, and whirled, and played music in his praise and procession. What a wonderful thing it is when we’re set free to worship God like this – from the heart, joyful for His grace and presence; grateful for all He’s done – for who He is. Too often we hold back in shame, we’re reserved in our expressions of worship, but here we see David exemplifying a passionate praise. It’s sad to see his wife, Michal, disgusted with David for the way he praised the Lord. She’s symbolic of how the enemy HATES it, when we praise God like this.
David set up a Tabernacle for the Ark, blessed the people, and distributed food to all. This prompted a Psalm which was actually a compilation of three other Psalms (Psalm 105:1-15; 96:1-13; 106:1, 47-48)
1 Chronicles 16:8, 34 are the book ends to this Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Chronicles 16:8 (NKJV) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV) “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
We are to call upon the Lord. Sing and talk of His wondrous works so that others might seek the Lord. We are to continue to seek the LORD – even His face (His presence) forevermore! (Psalm 16:12).
The LORD is our God and we are His covenant people. He has provided for us. He sets boundaries to protect us – so no one can touch us without His permission (Psalm 16:22).
The LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is God, He is the only God, all others are not gods, we are therefore called to give Him ALL the glory – to bring our offerings – to worship, tremble, and rejoice that He reigns.
The LORD is coming to judge the earth (Psalm 16:33) and finish what He started.
David wants us to say these words:
1 Chronicles 16:35 (NKJV) “And say, ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; gather us together, and deliver us from the gentiles (in this context non-believers), to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.”
Go ahead, say it if you haven’t already. And then add a hearty, “Amen.” (Psalm 16:36)
Romans 1:18-32
Paul reveals the fact that the whole wide world is guilty before God, even those who have never “heard.” God’s glory and invisible attributes are clearly seen through creation.
Tragically mankind is guilty of suppression, they’ve suppressed the acts and facts of their Creator, and have chosen to believe the lie, that there is no Creator. Mankind is guilty of idolatry, ultimately seeing themselves as God. Professing to be wise they became fools, fools who would believe in a godless evolution.
This idolatry has led to perversity. God has given mankind what they’ve asked for, to live life without Him. God has given them up to uncleanness, and vile passions, things like adultery, homosexuality and other perversities. Separation from the Creator and sin spiraling down out of control, eventually forced God to give them up to a debased mind – this self-destructive sin, is a form of God’s judgment.
The list of sins describes the normal practice of the unsaved – but it also makes me check my heart. “Lord please guard me from even the occasional practice of these things, such as covetousness, envy, and strife; may I no longer be proud, undiscerning, unloving, unforgiving, or unmerciful.”
The fallen world knows deep down inside that those who sin like this deserve judgment, but they not only do these things, they also applaud those engrossed in this activity. (Gay Parades) What used to be done in the back alleys of America – because we knew it was wrong, is now strutting down Main Street. We now live in a day and age where they call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).
Paul establishes the fact that mankind is guilty, and worthy of judgment.
Warren Wiersbe said something interesting, “The greatest judgment God can inflict on us is to let us have our own way.”
Psalm 10:1-15
The Psalmist was just being honest. Sometimes it seems as if God is far away and uninvolved.
Psalm 10:1 (NKJV) “Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble?”
May we always know that there may be times when God is silent, but He’s never absent. He sees everything – and everyone will stand before the Judge one day.
Psalm 10 is a Psalm that bemoans the fact that wicked, wicked men seemingly get away with their crimes. They even murder the innocent (Psalm 10:8). They think there is no God, He’s the furthest thing from their minds (Psalm 10:4, 11, 13).
But God does see and one day they will be required to give an account and repay for all the trouble and grief they’ve caused. (Psalm 10:14).
Keep praying. And keep knowing that one day justice will be served!
Proverbs 19:6-7
Proverbs 19:6-7 (NKJV) “Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.”
Life in a fallen world. Money not only buys favors, it buys “friends.” The Hebrew words translated, “entreat the favor,” speak of full-on flattery. The bribes and lobbying are done with much money in order to pervert justice.
On the flip side are the poor whose family and friends have forsaken him. There are some who find themselves in this heartbreaking situation – all alone simply because they’re poor. The Proverb does not approve such behavior, it simply acknowledges the reality of it.
If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.