Nothing Better to Give Toward

David calls on the assembly of Israel to donate to the construction of the temple in 1 Chronicles 29. He will also lead the giving of the assembly and the people will rejoice in their contributions to God's house. 

1 Chronicles 29:2–5 (ESV) So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble. 3 Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 4 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, 5 and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”

David gave what he was able and above what he was able (see verse 3) to this project. He models an incredible visionary level of giving here. For he gives not to a project he will see, but to a project that was on his heart to complete. He wanted to be instrumental in it's completion even if he did not see it come to pass. That is the heart David had for the house of God.

Their giving was not burdensome, however as some take giving to the Lord’s work. Instead, the nation gave and then rejoiced because they gave willingly. Notice:

1 Chronicles 29:8–9 (ESV) And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

David’s heart for the house compelled him to give to the work. And he experienced the joy of being part of it. Not only him, but everyone that gave. 

If Christians today could get a hold of generosity like this, there would be much happier and healthier churches in the nation. For some reason, we have fallen for the lie that God’s house is supposed to be shabby, one of the smallest in the town, nondescript and cheap looking. So we don’t give. And our reputation reflects it. 

I don’t get understand this mentality. The place where we meet as the body of Christ and where we hear the Word of God is important! We should beautify it, giving generously of the resources God has given to us. 

I truly believe there is less joy in our world today because we lack a generous spirit. We are in a debate over the values of socialism. But that debate is typically coming from those who think it will benefit them and rarely from those whom it will cost. So we have a “taking” mentality. Is it any wonder then, that there is a joyless spirit in our age? 

Learn from the text, here Christian. Giving brings joy. Giving to the work of God brings exceeding joy. The giver is truly in touch with the heart of God. Later in the passage David confesses as much considering that all he had given was simply what God had given him. 

1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV) "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

When you give you enter into the mentality of God. He is a giver. Christmas reminds of this most of all. Now when it comes to us: all we have is His already. So our giving is simply an extension of His activity in the world. And in God’s presence, there is true joy. 


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