Preparing for Tomorrow

Introduction

A. How do you want to be remembered when you die? ILL. “Death: Fireworks.” Even more specifically, what legacy do you want to leave? ILL. “Legacy.” I suppose as we age we think more about our mortality. As we become more aware of our mortality, how we see life changes. “Death: Priorities.” Perhaps it is too as we age we think about how we will be remembered. Louis Schafer in his book, Best of Gravestone Humor tells of a widower who placed the following intermittent message over his wife’s tomb: ILL. “Death: Humor.” Sometimes we are forgotten quickly.

Overview of Text

A. Our text today illustrates the importance of thinking and planing for a time beyond our life on this earth. In 1 Chronicles 22, David prepares for the building of the temple. God has already told David that he would not be the one to build the temple, but David’s son, Solomon, will be given that privilege. God is very clear — David has shed too much blood. It is vital that the temple be built by one who is a man of peace. And Solomon will be not only a man of peace, but his kingdom will be a time of great peace for God’s people. David isn’t offended by such a thought that his son will be the one to build the temple. Instead, David sets his sights on a job that will be completed and he will never see.

B. So in verses 2-4 and verses 14-16, David begins to assemble the materials needed to build a spectacular house for God. Carved stone, iron, bronze, cedar logs, gold, silver, and skilled workers. Everything is brought together to build this magnificent house for God. But the preparations for the temple are not relegated to just assembling materials. David also spends time with his son trying to encourage and inspire with a vision for the future. There are several lessons to learn from this chapter about leaving a legacy which is focused on God and preparing the next generation to complete tasks that we will never see completed.

Lessons

A. I think there are four lessons in this text about preparing the next generation for work as God’s disciples. First, stay active. Notice in verse 5, that David made extensive preparations before his death. David had a goal and an objective even up to death. Getting older didn’t keep him from finding tasks to do. He didn’t take himself away from activity. He stayed busy and focused. It important that we keep in mind that our work on this earth isn’t done until our death. For the disciple of Jesus, there is no retirement. Age may limit our physical ability, but our desire to honor God in this body must not wane as our physical abilities diminish. God limited David in what he could do, but he did not limit David in working. Although David couldn’t build the temple, it did not keep him from helping to build it. He didn’t take the attitude “I’m not going to be around to enjoy, so let others worry about it.” He didn’t pout about not being able to do what he wanted to do. He remained focused on doing what he could do and committed himself to honoring God in the ways he could.

B. Second, pray for the next generation. God limited David’s physical activity, but David wasn’t limited in praying. Notice in verse 12 that in a conversation with Solomon, David prays that God will give Solomon understanding and discretion. Interestingly, while different words are used, Solomon asks for the same thing when he becomes king and God gives him the opportunity to ask for anything he wants. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge according to 2 Chronicles 1 and 1 Kings 3 mentions discernment. Don’t you think David’s prayer influenced Solomon? Pray for the next generation. Pray for their wisdom and pray for their discretion. Pray that they will be able to hear God’s voice above the shouts of our culture.

C. Third, we must pass on the sense of urgency. Notice verses 14-16. David lists all the things he has done to prepare for the building of the temple. The vast amounts of materials sits waiting for Solomon to give the order to begin building. At the end of verse 14, David tells Solomon to add to the pile. And at the end of verse 16, David tells Solomon — now begin the work. Do you hear the sense of urgency in his voice. Solomon must see this as his job; his task; he must complete it. It will not wait. David has done all he can. It is not his privilege to lift the hammer. He cannot drive a nail into the fragrant cedar. You can hear David — don’t let the iron rust; don’t let the cedar rot; don’t let the silver tarnish; don’t let the craftsmen be idle. May we pass on to the next generation the sense of spiritual urgency. Our culture endorses acceptance of all and all beliefs. But as disciples we know that even Jesus himself said he came to divide father and son, mother and daughter. All views cannot be right. Too many are leaving this world without knowing Jesus. Every day brings us all closer to the grave and our voices will be silenced. Will we have prepared the next generation to speak with their own voice the words of God?

D. Fourth, stay focused on God. In verses 17-19, David calls the leaders together and instructs them that Solomon is going to build the temple and that they are to lend their assistance. In verse 19, David tells them to devote their heart and soul to seeking God. He knew that if they devoted themselves to God that they would be faithful to Solomon. That is the basis for our lives. We are to remain focused on God and when we are then we will put our hands to the task. We can help prepare the next generation for their work by making sure we surround them with those who will be faithful to God. I heard a wise man say many years ago that you can’t choose your child’s friends, but you can choose what adults they associate with by inviting people into your home that reveal the love of God. We have an obligation to prepare the next generation. And we will go a long way in preparing them if we will:

1.  Stay active

2.  Pray for the next generation

3.  Pass on the sense of urgency

4.  Stay focused on God

Prayer Time for the Next Generation

A. Call all those under the age of 35 to stand in the aisles. I want to tell you a story. ILL. “Legacy: legacy — Hans Bret”

B. Bob Hesselrode lead prayer; congregation encouraged to stand next to one of our young people.

C. Remain standing. Invitation.

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