Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30.
Shortly before Solomon took over for his father as king over Israel, David charged him with the task of building “a house for the Lord God of Israel” (1 Chronicles 22:6). As he assigned him this work, David spoke of the conditional promise of success for his efforts.
“Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. Only the Lord give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.
“Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed” (1 Chronicles 22:11-13).
The Lord chose Solomon over David for this work of building the temple (1 Chronicles 22:7-10). However, the promise of success and prosperity for Solomon would only come about if he met the divine conditions that were required for him to continue to receive God’s blessings.
Solomon was obligated to “keep the law of the Lord.” Though under a different law today, we have a similar obligation. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).
After stating his responsibility to keep the law, David spoke of Solomon’s future prosperity. However, these statements were not independent from one another. Solomon would prosper, if he carefully observed the instructions given in the law. We have a similar, and also conditional, promise. Jesus “became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).
God will reward us by His grace (Ephesians 2:8), but He has also given conditions that must be met in order to receive that grace (cf. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Revelation 2:10). Let us not try to separate grace and works from one another like so many in the religious world want to do. Instead, let us accept what the Bible teaches and faithfully obey Him so that we can be rewarded with a home in heaven by the grace of God.
Tomorrow’s reading: Psalm 108-110
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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