1 Chronicals 28-29: He Chooses the Least

David had fought the fights and the wars and won in the name of God. David carried out God’s Will for the nation of Israel; he was a tool for God to put His faithfulness on magnificent display. At the end of his life, David was ready to carry out his dream of building God a temple. It was to be a beautiful temple. A display of artistry from David to God. Like a proud child bringing home arts to his Papa, the detail in the temple plans display David’s love to the One who loved him through and through.

God tells David that he would like for Solomon, David’s youngest son, to build the temple instead because of the blood that David has shed (through all the wars and such… I don’t think David was necessarily well loved in the sight of his enemies) in His name.

This is interesting to me. Throughout the Bible, God chooses the youngest to lead. Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, David over his brothers, and now Solomon over his brothers. Through this, I think God is demonstrating that He leads the nation of Israel – not the traditional monarch. It’s just another way that God puts his power and might on display as he favors His people.

I take great comfort that God uses the smallest and least. I love that Jesus calls the fishermen and the tax collectors to build His Kingdom. It gives me perspective on my life. I won’t be the Secretary of State that I thought I would once be (I know?!?! Right?) making all the great decisions and calling all the shots… but I am being used. You are a tool. A vessel. Even though you may feel small or insignificant, I know that our God would say something quite different about you. He breathed his breath life into you, and there is nothing insignificant about that.