A Better Son

I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules… 
1 Chronicles 28:7 

As you will recall, 1 Chronicles is written to an audience who had been exiles in a foreign land but, by God’s providence, are returning back home. And as the original readers read the text that we are reading this week, they come across King David’s charge to Solomon to keep the commandments of God. Immediately, the readers would be reminded of their faithlessness and the rebellion of their ancestors against God. It was because of their lack of fidelity to God that their first temple, the temple that Solomon is charged to build in 1 Chronicles, was destroyed by the Babylonians. So, every time they celebrated a feast, or held a worship service, or presented their offerings in the temple they would recall their sin.

But their sorrow would turn into joy as they remember that God is never faithless but will fulfill His promises. This would be an altogether encouraging word for them; a very hopeful message that brought a conviction in their hearts to remain obedient to God. And this command from David to Solomon is truly an extension of the promise God made to David of an offspring who would build a house for God and would rule on the throne forever (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). The original readers would understand that Solomon unfortunately did not keep all of God’s commands and also that Solomon’s “house” which he built for the Lord was destroyed. So, they would be waiting in expectation for a coming one who would build a house for the Lord, keep all of God’s commands, and would rule on the throne forever. However, for modern day readers, 1 Chronicles ends by pointing us to Christ.

And thus, the promise for David and the charge for Solomon find their fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Son of David. The house that Solomon built was eventually destroyed, but the house that Jesus builds is composed of his own people (Heb 3:6) and will never be destroyed (Matt 16:18). Solomon was not faithful to keep all of God’s commands, but Jesus was never sinned against God (1 Peter 2:22). Solomon ruled over Israel for about 40 years, while Jesus is the one who is seated on the throne ruling forever (Heb 1:8). Just like the original readers, we may also have moments of despair. However, our mourning will turn into inexplainable joy when we are reminded of the Gospel. My brothers and sisters in the faith, preach the Gospel to yourself and may it motivate you to approach the Lord with true spiritual worship. May all that you do, be unto Him who has saved us.

Grace and Peace,
Alex Galvez

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