SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 28
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.” [1 Chronicles 28:20]
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]
These “last words” of David before he passes on authority to Solomon remind me of the “last words” of Jesus when He passes on authority to His disciples.
In both cases David and Jesus (also known as the “son of David”, of his royal lineage) set the stage for the work of their successors.
David leaves the blueprints and resources for Solomon’s mission; Jesus leaves the blueprints (“all the commands I have given you”) and the resources (“I am with you always”) for our mission.
In both cases the successors have the assurance that God will stand with them, will back them up, will make their work successful.

God is not just building a physical temple (symbol of His presence among His people); He is working to restore His own presence in the world, and to rebuild His family.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” [Revelation 21:3-4]
I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. [Revelation 21:22]

Unfortunately, Solomon does not “continue to obey God’s commands and regulations”, and his kingdom falls apart.
But where Solomon (and his successors) fail, Jesus succeeds; He lives God’s will perfectly and therefore overcomes the power of sin, death and hell. God makes His kingdom last forever [1 Chronicles 28:7].
Jesus will reign until the very end of the age, and He will be with us as we continue to build His spiritual temple (i.e. gather spiritual stones for God’s spiritual house [1 Peter 2:4-5].
Easter is the celebration of Jesus victory – where every other king (leader, messiah, hero) failed.
He is in charge, nothing can beat Him now, His new world is coming, and we get to be a part of it!
Yes! Yes! Yes!

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the confidence that I can have my labour for You is not in vain. You are with me, You will back me up! Your kingdom is coming!