The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 422

e.qsurances to induce him to go forward with courage and with zeal. Jn these words we have- I. A VIEW OF LIFE AS PRACTICAL AND STRENUOUS SERVICE. There is work for all true and loyal hearts, for all willing, active bands. We are all, as Christians, builders in the house, the temple, of the most high God. The edifice of our life and happiness, our influence and usefulness, is not to rise by chance or magic; it is to be reare<l by our own labour and diligence, our own perseverance and prayers. What dignity, beauty, and interest are lent to our life by the convict.ion that we are building in the Lord's house! Whether our life be public or private, whether our sphere of influence be home, or profession, or business ; whether our relations to others be official or social,-we may all be builders under God. II. ADMONITION AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO FULFIL LIFE'S WORK. As David spoke to his son in terms of fatherly sympathy and good cheer, so let the elder encourage the younger in the service of their God and Saviour. 1. Observe the dispositicm which is to be avoided. " Fear not, nor be dismayed.." Some minds are naturally timorous. A nervous temperament, a diffident habit of mind, depressing circumstances, may account for this. Some are ever in dread of adversaries; others are more apprehensive of their own weakness and insufficiency. Accordingly, Scripture contains many dissuasives from timidity and faint-heartedness. "Fear not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." 2. Observe the disposition to be fostered. " Be strong and of good courage." To many of his servants, placed in critical position8, has the supreme Lord addressed such admonitions. "Be stron!!; and of a good courage,'' Jehovah had said to Joshua and to Israel, in the prospect of their entering upon Canaan as their inheritance. A coura11:eous heart ca.n do wonders; it can ever bear up a feeble body, contend with adverse circumstances, defy malignant opposition. We are not taught to place confidence in ourselves, but we are taught not to shrink from duty because of our felt inadequacy. Strength comes with a brave heart, a fixed resolution, a calm confidence in Divine grace and aid. 3. Observe the admonition to action. "Do it." David had prepared for the building of the temple; it was for his son to carry out the plans which had been ma<le. It is for us all, as followers of Christ, not to dream or to purpose, but to act. We are gifted with active powers, and are called to an active life. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." III. PROMISES TO ANIMATE THB TRUE-HEARTED WORKER. Mere admonition and advice from fellow-men is insufficient. The question of practical moment for us, in our endeavours to serve, is this-Is there help from above? We hnve the answer in the text. I. Divine presence and aid are assured. "The Lord God will be with thee." How far better than the presence and counsel even of a faithful enrthly friend, a judicious earthly father I "Vain is the help of man." But "if God be for us, who can be against us?" 2. The same God who has been the dwelling-place of his people in all generations, is our God. It is very significant that David says, "Even my God." The memory of former interpositions, of the great works which God did in the days of our fathers, should hearten and cheer and comfort us. He is neither an unknown nor an untried God. 3. He will not fail or forsake his people until their work is finished. Other helpers may fail us, may be summoned from earth, or may prove unfaithful. We may fear lest God himself should depart from us. But he is faithful to all his promises, "The mountains may depart,'' etc. Solomon enjoyed the countennnce, protection, and guidance of God until the temple was completed. God only knows what our life-work is to be; but we may all be assured that, if he has entrusted to us any service, he will not withdraw from us, he will not abandon our undertaking, until his purpose is fulfilled, until our work is done. PRACTICAL LESSONS. I. Let every hearer of the gospel obey the call, nnd enter without delay upon the Lord's work. 2. Let God's servants who are dismayed by difficulties and a sense of insufficiency betake themselves to the Word of God and to prayer.-T. Vers. 1--8.-Lessons from the end. Ae the slain warrior in battle, finding his strength fast ebbing away, gathers up his remaining powers and deals one last mighty blow against some prominent enemy, so David, the soldier of the Lord, perceiving that his end was near, summoned all the force that was left to him to strike one more good 426 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. [cu. xxvm. 1-21.