1 Chronicles 29

“‘Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses; the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen.  Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?’ Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly.” 1 Chronicles 29:3-6 (NKJV)

I recently received a message through social media from a person in Nashville, Tennessee.  The message was simple: Thank you.  There is nothing particularly landmark about a “thank you” note, but this one stood out because the “thank you” came 15 years after the fact.  So much time had passed that I had forgotten the episode for which I was being thanked!  Seemingly, a distant music business colleague of mine was at dinner with his wife during a season of financial difficulty, and I paid their bill.  When he mentioned it, a vague recollection came across my mental radar.  I remember seeing them sitting there, looking stressed at the menu, so I asked their waitress to inform them that someone was taking care of their tab and that they should order whatever they wanted, especially dessert.  

I don’t mention that episode as an attempt to paint an image of myself as some kind of philanthropist.  (I am actually very cheap!  The Lord has to pry benevolence from me.)  I share that story because of what happened AFTER.  The gentleman was so encouraged that, instead of quitting the Christian music business, he continued to follow the Lord’s leading and slug it out.  Today, he is one of the few of us still making a living in commercial music (I’m not), and he counts that moment of generous encouragement as pivotal in his faith journey.  That is exactly what today’s chapter is about.  David’s generosity is contagious; it trickles down and begins a chain reaction of faithful selflessness.  We notice the same pattern of contagious faithfulness in the victory song that Deborah (one of Israel’s Judges) sang after the victory of Israel’s army under Barak’s command.

“Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying: ‘When leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves, bless the Lord!’” Judges 5:1-2 (NKJV)

It’s not that David’s peers felt the pressure of his generosity; the common people gave freely, too!  Oh, that we could see such leadership in the Church today!

“Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.  Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.’” 1 Chronicles 29:9-10 (NKJV)