THE MOULDED bunny lies in the basket, surrounded by green paper “grass”. With Easter morning eyes wide with anticipation, the little boy carefully lifts the chocolate figure and bites into one of the long ears.  But the sweet taste fades quickly, and the child looks again at the chocolate in his hand.  It’s hollow!

Empty, futile, hollow, nothing… the words rings of disappointment and disillusionment. Yet this is the life-experience of many.  Grasping the sweet things – possessions, experience, power, and pleasure – they find nothing inside.  Life is empty, meaningless… and they despair.

Almost 3,000 years ago, Solomon spoke of this human dilemma; but the insights and applications of his message are relevant in our time. Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s written sermon, is an analysis of life’s experiences and a critical essay about its meaning.  In this profound book, Solomon takes us on a mental journey through his life, explaining how everything he tried, tested, or tasted was “meaningless” – useless, irrational, pointless, foolish, and empty – an exercise in futility.  And remember, these words are from one who “had it all” – tremendous intellect, power, and wealth.  After this biographical tour, Solomon made his triumphant conclusion: “Fear God [Wall] and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God [Wall] will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (12.13, 14).

When Solomon became king, he asked God [Wall] for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1.7-12), and he became the wisest man in the world (1 Kings 4.29-34). He studied, taught, judged, and wrote.  Kings and leaders from other nations came to Jerusalem to learn from him.  But with all of his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral.  Near the end of his life, Solomon looked back with an attitude of humility and repentance. He took stock of the world as he had experienced it, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God [Wall] is empty, hollow, and meaningless.

Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is negative and pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusions. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values).  Solomon had a very honest approach to life.  All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose – to lead people to seek true happiness in God [Wall] alone.  He was not trying to destroy all hope, but to direct our hope to the only One who can truly fulfil them.  Solomon affirms the value of knowledge, relationships, work, and pleasure, but only in their proper place.  All of these temporal things in life must be seen in light of the eternal.

Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and the dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now (12.1).

VITAL STATISTICS

PPURPOSE: To spare future generations the bitterness of learning through their own experience that life is meaningless apart from God [Wall]

AUTHOR: Solomon

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Solomon’s subjects in particular, and all people in general

DATE WRITTEN: Probably around 935 B.C., late in Solomon’s life

SETTING: Solomon was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God [Wall]

KEY VERSE: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God [Wall]and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (12.13).

THE BLUEPRINT

Ecclesiastes show that certain paths in life lead to emptiness. This profound book also helps us to discover true purpose in life.  Such wisdom can spare us from the emptiness that results from a life without God [Wall].  Solomon teaches that people will not find meaning in life in knowledge, money, pleasure, work, or popularity.  True satisfaction comes from knowing that what we are doing is part of God’s purpose for our lives.  This is a book that can help free us from our scramble for power, approval, and money, and draws us closer to God [Wall].

MEGATHEMES

Searching

EXPLANATION: Solomon searched for satisfaction almost as though he were conducting a scientific experiment. Through this process, he discovered that life without God [Wall] is a long and fruitless search for enjoyment, meaning, and fulfilment.  True happiness is not in our power to accumulate or attain because we always want more than we can have.  In addition, there are circumstances beyond our control that can snatch away our possessions or attainments.

IMPORTANCE: People are still searching. Yet the more they try to get, the more they realise how little they really have.  No pleasure or happiness is possible without God [Wall].  Without him, satisfaction is a lost search.  Above everything we should strive to know and love God [Wall].  He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy.

Emptiness

EXPLANATION: Solomon shows how empty it is to pursue the pleasures that this life has to offer rather than a relationship with an eternal God [Wall]. The search for pleasure, wealth, and success is ultimately disappointing.  Nothing in the world can fill the emptiness and satisfy the deep longings in our restless hearts.

IMPORTANCE: The cure for emptiness is to centre on God [Wall]. His love can also fill the emptiness of human experience.  Fear God [Wall] throughout your life and fill your life with serving God [Wall] and others rather than with selfish pleasures.

Work

EXPLANATION: Solomon tried to shake people’s confidence in their own efforts, abilities, and wisdom and to direct them to faith in God [Wall] as the only sound basis for living. Without God [Wall], there is no lasting reward or benefit in hard work.

IMPORTANCE: Work done with the wrong attitude will leave us empty. But work accepted as an assignment from God [Wall] can be seen as a gift.  Examine what you expect from your efforts.  God [Wall] gives you abilities and opportunities to work so that you can use your time well.

Death

Explanation: The certainty of death makes all merely human achievements futile.  God [Wall] has a plan for human destiny that goes beyond life and death.  The reality of aging and dying reminds each individual of the end to come when God [Wall] will judge each person’s life.

IMPORTANCE: Because life is short, we need wisdom that is greater than this world can offer. We need the words of God [Wall].  If we listen to him, his wisdom spares us the bitterness of futile human experience and gives us a hope that goes beyond death.

Wisdom

EXPLANATION: Human wisdom doesn’t contain all the answers. Knowledge and education have their limits.  To understand life, we need the wisdom that can be found only in God’s words to us – the Bible.

IMPORTANCE: When we realise that God [Wall] will evaluate all that we do, we should learn to live wisely, remembering that he is present each day, and learn to obey his guidelines for living. But in order to have God’s wisdom, we must first get to know and honour him.

[Keys: ‘ACKNOWLEDGEMENT’].

WITH TINY wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, he slept on a bed of straw. Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood in Roman-occupied Palestine, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused in Joseph’s workshop.  As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on his work.  At every step he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of his influence.  Finally, falsely accused and tried, he was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands.  And he died – spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride.  Jesus, the God-man, gave his life completely so that all might live.

At God’s appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst onto the world scene. Then everyone will know Jesus is Lord of the universe!  Those who love him will rejoice, greeting their Saviour with hearts overflowing into songs of praise.  But his enemies will be filled with fear.  Allied with Satan, the enemies of Christ will marshal their legions against Christ and his armies [His Gym].  But who can withstand God’s wrath?  Christ will win the battle and reign victorious for ever!  Jesus, the humble suffering Servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge.

Revelation is a book of hope. John, the beloved apostle and eyewitness of Jesus, proclaimed that the victorious Lord would surely return to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.  But Revelations is also a book of warning.  Things were not as they should have been in the churches, so Christ called the members to commit themselves to live in righteousness.

Although Jesus gave this revelation of himself to John nearly 2,000 years ago, it still stands as a comfort and challenge to God’s people today. We can take heart as we understand John’s vision of hope – Christ will return to rescue his people and settle accounts with all who defy him.

John begins this book by explaining how he received this revelation from God [Wall] (1.1-20). He then records specific messages from Jesus to the seven Churches in Asia (2.1-3.22).  Suddenly the scene shifts as a mosaic of dramatic and majestic images bursts into view before John’s eyes.  This series of visions portrays the future rise of evil, culminating in the anti-christ (4.1-18.24).  Then follows John’s recounting of the triumph of the King of kings, the wedding of the Lamb, the final judgment, and the coming of the new Jerusalem (19.1-22.5).  Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ’s imminent return (22.6-21), and John breathes a prayer that has been echoed by Christians through the centuries, “Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus” (22.20).

As you read the book of Revelations, marvel with John at the wondrous panorama of God’s revealed plan. Listen as Christ warns the churches, and root out any sin that blocks your relationship with him.  Be full of hope, knowing that God [Wall] is in control, Christ’s victory is assured, and all who trust him will be saved.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers

AUTHOR: The apostle John

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The seven Churches in Asia, and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 95, from Patmos

SETTING: Most scholars believe that the seven churches of Asia to whom John writes were experiencing the persecution that took place under Emperor Domitian (A.D. 90-95). It seems that the Roman authorities had exiled John to the island of Patmos (off the coast of Asia).  John, who had been an eyewitness of the incarnate Christ, had a vision of the glorified Christ.  God [Wall] also revealed to him what would take place in the future – judgment and the ultimate triumph of God [Wall] over evil.

KEY VERSE: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (1.3).

KEY PEOPLE: John, Jesus

KEY PLACES: Patmos, the seven churches, the new Jerusalem

SPECIAL FEATURES: Revelation is written in “apocalyptic” form – a type of Jewish literature that uses symbolic imagery to communicate hope (in the ultimate triumph of God [Wall]) to those in the midst of persecution. The events are ordered according to literary, rather than strictly chronological, patterns.

THE BLUEPRINT

Letters to the churches (1.1-3.22) The vision John received opens with instructions for him to write to seven Churches.  He both commends them for their strengths and warns them about their flaws.  Each letter was directed to a church then in existence, but also speaks to conditions in the Church throughout history.  Both in the Church and in our individual lives, we must constantly fight against the temptation to become loveless, immoral, lenient, compromising, lifeless, or causal about our faith.  The letters make it clear how our Lord feels about these faults.

Message for the churches (4.1-22.21) This revelation is both a warning to Christians who have grown apathetic and an encouragement to those who are faithfully enduring the struggles in this world.  It reassures us that good will triumph over evil, gives us hope as we face difficult times, and gives guidance when we are wavering in our faith.  Christ’s message to the Church is a message of hope for all believers in every generation.

1. Worshipping God [Wall] in heaven
2. Opening the seven seals
3. Opening the seven seals
4. Sounding the seven trumpets
5. Observing the great conflict
6. Pouring out the seven plagues
7. Seizing the final victory
8. Making everything new

MEGATHEMES

God’s Sovereignty

EXPLANATION: God [Wall] is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe.  God [Wall] is not to be compared with any leader, government, or religion.  He controls history for the purpose of uniting true believers in loving fellowship with him.

IMPORTANCE: Though Satan’s power may temporarily increase, we are not to be led astray. God [Wall] is all-powerful.  He is in control.  He will bring his true family safely into eternal life.  Because he cares for us, we can trust him with our very lives.

Christ’s Return

EXPLANATION: Christ came to earth as a “Lamb”, the symbol of his perfect sacrifice for our sin. He will return as the triumphant “Lion”, the rightful ruler and conqueror.  He will defeat Satan, settle accounts with all those who reject him, and bring his faithful people into eternity.

IMPORTANCE: Assurance of Christ’s return gives suffering Christians the strength to endure. We can look forward to his return as King and Judge.  Since no-one knows the time when he will appear, we must be ready at all times by keeping our faith strong.

God’s Faithful People

EXPLANATION: John wrote to encourage the church to resist the demands to worship the Roman emperor. He warns all God’s faithful people to be devoted only to Christ.  Revelation identifies who the faithful people are and what they should be doing until Christ returns.

IMPORTANCE: You can take your place in the ranks of God’s faithful people by believing in Christ. Victory is sure for those who resist temptation and make loyalty to Christ their top priority.

Judgment

EXPLANATION: One day God’s anger towards sin will be fully and completely unleashed. Satan will be defeated with all of his agents.  False religion will be destroyed.  God will reward the faithful with eternal life, but all who refuse to believe in him will face eternal punishment.

IMPORTANCE: Evil and injustice will not prevail for ever. God’s final judgment will put an end to these.  We need to be certain of our commitment to Jesus if we want to escape this great final judgment.  No-one who rejects Christ will escape God’s [Wall’s] punishment.

Hope

EXPLANATION: One day God [Wall] will create a new heaven and a new earth. All believers will live with him for ever in perfect peace and security.  Those who have already died will be raised to life.  These promises for the future bring us hope.

IMPORTANCE: Our great hope is that what Christ promises will come true. When we have confidence in our final destination, we can follow Christ with unwavering dedication no matter what we must face.  We can be encouraged by hoping in Christ’s return.

THE slide clicks, and our eyes focus on the image flashed onto the screen in the darkened sanctuary. “This idol,” explains the missionary, “is made of stone and is worshipped daily.  The natives believe that this will guarantee good crops and healthy children.”  With condescending smiles, we wonder at their ignorance.  How could anyone worship an object?  Idols are for the naïve and the superstitious!  But after the presentation we return home to our idols of wealth, prestige, or self-fulfilment.  If we put anything in God’s place, we worship it, despite what we profess with our lips.

Our experience parallels Israel’s. They were chosen by God [Wall] to represent him on earth.  But too often they forgot the truth and their calling, stumbling blindly after idols as the neighbouring nations did.  Then prophets, priests, and judgment would push them abruptly back to God, the one true God.  The book of 2 Chronicles relates this sordid history of Judah’s corrupt and idolatrous kings.  Here and there a good king would arise in Judah, and for a time there would be revival, but the downward spiral would continue – ending in chaos, destruction, and captivity.

The chronicler writes this volume to bring the nation back to God by reminding them of their past. Only by following God would they prosper!  As you read 2 Chronicles you will catch a vivid glimpse of Judah’s history (the history of Israel, the northern kingdom, is virtually ignored), and you will see the tragic results of idolatry.  Learn the lessons of the past; determine to get rid of any idols in your life and to worship God alone.

This account continues the history of 1 Chronicles. David’s son, Solomon, was inaugurated as king.  Solomon built the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, thus fulfilling his father’s wish and last request (chapters 2-5).  Solomon enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous reign of 40 years that made him world famous.  After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam assumed the throne, and his immaturity divided the kingdom.

In Judah, there were a few good kings and many evil ones. The writer of Chronicles faithfully records their achievements and failures, noting how each king measured up to God’s standard for success.  Clearly a good king obeyed God’s laws, eliminated the places of idol worship, and made no alliances with other nations.  Judah’s good kings include Asa, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah (Azariah), Hexekiah, and Josiah.  Of its many evil ones, Ahaz and Manasseh were perhaps the worst.  Eventually the nation was conquered and taken captive, and the temple was destroyed.

The writer’s purpose was to reunite the nation around the true worship of God after the captivity. In these pages, he reminds the people of their past.  He clearly broadcasts his message through one of the best-known verses in Scripture, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (7:14).  As you read 2 Chronicles, listen to God’s voice and obey him; and receive his redemptive, healing touch.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To unify the nations around true worship of God by showing his standard for judging kings. The righteous kings of Judah and the religious revivals under their rule are highlighted, and the sins of the evil kings are exposed.

AUTHOR: Ezra, according to Jewish tradition

TO WHOM WRITTEN: All Israel

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately 430 B.C., recording events from the beginning of Solomon’s reign (970 B.C.) to the beginning of the Babylonian captivity (586 B.C.)

SETTING: 2 Chronicles parallels 1 and 2 Kings and serves as their commentary. Originally 1 and 2 Chronicles were one book.  It was written after the exile from a priestly perspective, highlighting the importance of the temple and the religious revivals in Judah.  The northern kingdom, Israel, is virtually ignored in this history.

KEY VERSE: “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (7:14).

KEY PEOPLE: Solomon, the queen of Sheba, Rehoboam, Asa, Johoshaphat, Jehoram, Joash, Uzziah (Azariah), Ahaz, Hexekiah, Manasseh, Josiah

KEY PLACES: Jerusalem, the temple

SPECIAL FEATURES: Includes a detailed record of the temple’s construction

THE BLUEPRINT

The Reign of Solomon (1:1-9-31): Solomon achieved much in business and government, but most important, he was the man of God used to build the glorious temple.  This beautiful building was the religious centre of the nation.  It symbolised the unity of all the tribes, the presence of God among them, and the nation’s high calling.  We may achieve great things in life, but we must not neglect any effort that will help nurture God’s people or bring others into God’s kingdom.  It is easy for us to get the wrong perspective on what’s really important in life.

1. Solomon asks for wisdom
2. Solomon builds the temple
3. Solomon dedicates the temple
4. Solomon’s riches and wisdom

The Kingdom of Judah (10:1-36:23): Throughout the reigns of 20 kings, the nation of Judah wavered between obedience to God and apostasy.  The reigning king’s response to God determined the spiritual climate of the nation and whether or not God would send judgment upon his people.  Our personal history is shaped by our response to God.  Just as Judah’s failure to repent brought them captivity in Babylon, so the abuse of our high calling by sinful living will ultimately bring us catastrophe and destruction.

1. The northern tribes revolt
2. History of apostasy and reform
3. Judah is exiled to Babylon

MEGATHEMES

Temple

EXPLANATION: The temple was the symbol of God’s presence and the place set aside for worship and prayer. Built by Solomon from the plans God gave to David, the temple was the spiritual centre of the nation.

IMPORTANCE: As Christians meet together to worship God, they experience the presence of God in a way that no individual believer could. For the dwelling place of God is the people of God.  The body of Christ is God’s temple.

Peace

EXPLANATION: As Solomon and his descendants were faithful to God, they experienced victory in battle, success in government, and peace with other nations. Peace was the result of the people being unified and loyal to God and his law.

IMPORTANCE: Only God can bring us true peace. God is greater than any enemy, army, or nation.  Just as Israel’s faithful response was the key to her peace and survival as a nation, so our obedience to God as individuals and nations is vital to peace today.

Prayer

EXPLANATION: After Solomon died, David’s kingdom was divided. When a king led the Israelites into idolatry, the nation suffered.  When the king and his people prayed to God for deliverance and they turned from their sinful ways, God delivered them.

IMPORTANCE: God still answers prayer today. We have God’s promise that if we humble ourselves, seek him, turn from our sin, and pray, God will hear, heal, and forgive us.  If we are alert, we can pray for God’s guidance before we get into trouble.

Reform

EXPLANATION: Although idolatry and injustice were common, some kings turned to God and led the people in spiritual revival – renewing their commitment to God and reforming their society. Revival included the destruction of idols, obedience to the law, and the restoration of the priesthood.

IMPORTANCE: We must constantly commit ourselves to obeying God. We are never secure in what others have done before us.  Each generation of believers must rededicate themselves to the task of carrying out God’s will in their own lives as well as in society.

National Collapse

EXPLANATION: In 586 B.C. the Babylonians completely destroyed Solomon’s beautiful temple. The formal worship of God was ended.  The Israelites had abandoned God.  As a result, God brought judgment upon his people and they were carried off into captivity.

IMPORTANCE: Although our disobedience may not be as blatant as Israel’s, quite often our commitment to God is insincere and casual. When we forget that all our power, wisdom, and wealth come from God and not ourselves, we are in danger of the same spiritual and moral collapse that Israel experienced.

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IN THE WIDE shade of the ageless oak, a mother watches her toddler discover acorns, leaves, and dandelions. Nearby, her mother, aunt, and uncle spread the tablecloth over a park bench and cover it with plates and bowls of fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and assorted family recipes.  The clanging of Grandpa’s and Dad’s horseshoes against stakes regularly pierces the air and mixes with cheer, laughs, and shouts of the teenagers game of football.  A family reunion – a sunny afternoon filled with four generations and miscellaneous kids, parents, and second cousins once-removed.

These meetings are important… touching and connecting with other branches of the family tree, tracing one’s personal history back through time and culture, seeing physical reflections (her eyes, his nose), remembering warm traditions. Knowing one’s genetical and relational path provides a sense of identity, heritage, and destiny.

It is with this same high purpose that the writer of Chronicles begins his unifying work with an extensive genealogy. He traces the roots of the nation in a literary family reunion from Adam onwards recounting its royal line and the loving plan of a personal God [Wall].  We read 1 Chronicles and gain a glimpse of God at work through his people for generations.  If you are a believer, these people are your ancestors too.  As you approach this part of God’s word, read their names with awe and respect, and gain new security and identity in your relationship with God.

The previous book, 2 Kings, ends with both Israel and Judah in captivity, surely a dark age for God’s people. Then follows Chronicles (1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book).  Written after the captivity, it summarises Israel’s history, emphasising the Jewish people’s spiritual heritage in an attempt to unify the nation.  The chronicler is selective in his history telling.  Instead of writing an exhaustive work, he carefully weaves the narrative, highlighting spiritual lessons and teaching moral truths.  In Chronicles the northern kingdom is virtually ignored.  David’s triumphs – not his sins – are recalled, and the temple is given great prominence as the vital centre of national life.

The book begins with Adam, and, for nine chapters, the writer gives us a “Who’s Who” of Israel’s history with special emphasis on David’s royal line. The rest of the book tells the story of David – the great man of God.  Israel’s king – who served God and laid out the plans for the construction of and worship in the temple.

This account is an invaluable supplement to 2 Samuel and a strong reminder of the necessity for tracing roots, and thus rediscovering our foundation. As you read 1 Chronicles, trace your own godly heritage, thank God for your spiritual forefathers, and recommit yourself to passing on God’s truth to the next generation.

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To unify God’s people, to trace the Davidic line, and to teach that genuine worship ought to be the centre of individual and national life

AUTHOR: Ezra, according to Jewish tradition

TO WHOM WRITTEN: All Israel

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately 430 B.C., recording events that occurred from about 1000-960 B.C.

SETTING: 1 Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel and serves as a commentary on it. Written after the exile from a priestly point of view 1 Chronicles emphasises the religious history of Judah and Israel.

KEY VERSE: “And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel” (14:2).

KEY PEOPLE: David, Solomon

KEY PLACES: Hebron, Jerusalem, the temple

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THE BLUEPRINT

The Genealogies of Israel (1:1-9:44)  The long list of names that follows presents a history of God’s work in the world from Adam to Zerubbabel.  Some of these names remind us of stories of great faith, and others of tragic failure.  About most of the people named, however, we know nothing.  But those who died unknown to us are known by God.  God will also remember us when we die.

1. Ancestry of the nation
2. The tribes of Israel
3. Those returned from exile in Babylon

The Reign of David (10:1-29:30)   David loved the Lord and wanted to build a temple to replace the tabernacle, but God denied his request.  David’s greatest contribution to the temple would not be the construction, but the preparation.  We may be unable to see the results of our labours for God in our lifetime, but David’s example helps us to understand that we serve God so he will see his results, not so we will see ours.

MEGATHEMES

Israel’s History

EXPLANATION: By retelling Israel’s history in the genealogies and the stories of the kings, the writer laid down the true spiritual foundation for the nation. God kept his promises and we are reminded of them in the historical record of his people, leaders, prophets, priests, and kings.

IMPORTANCE: Israel’s past formed a reliable basis for reconstructing the nation after the exile. Because God’s promises are revealed in the Bible, we can know God and trust him to keep his word.  Like Israel, we should have no higher goal in life than devoted service to God.

God’s People

EXPLANATION: By listing the names of the people in Israel’s past, God established Israel’s true heritage. They were all one family in Adam, one nation in Abraham, one priesthood under Levi, and one kingdom under David.  The national and spiritual unity of the people were important to the rebuilding of the nation.

IMPORTANCE: God is always faithful to his people. He protects them in every generation and provides leaders to guide them.  Because God has been at work throughout the centuries, his people can trust him to work in the present.  You can rely on his presence today.

David, the King

EXPLANATION: The story of David’s life and his relationship with God showed that he was God’s appointed leader. David’s devotion to God, the law, the temple, true worship, the people, and justice sets the standard for what God’s chosen king should be.

IMPORTANCE: Jesus Christ came to earth as a descendant of David. One day he will rule his king over all the earth.  His strength and justice will fulfil God’s ideal for the king.  He is our hope.  We can experience God’s kingdom now by giving Christ complete control of our lives.

True Worship

EXPLANATION: David brought the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle at Jerusalem to restore true worship to the people. God gave the plans for building the temple, and David organised the priests to make worship central to all Israel.

IMPORTANCE: The temple stood as the throne of God on earth, the place of true worship. God’s true throne is in the hearts of his people.  When we acknowledge him as the true king over our lives, true worship takes place.

The Priests

EXPLANATION: God ordained the priests and Levites to guide the people in faithful worship according to his law. By leading the people in worship according to God’s design, the priests and Levites were an important safeguard to Israel’s faith.

IMPORTANCE: For true worship to remain central in our lives, God’s people need to take a firm stand for the ways of God recorded in the Bible. Today, all believers are priests for one another, and we should encourage each other to faithful worship.