Tues.’s Devo - Friendship With God

Read: 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21: Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19 David summoned all the leaders throughout Israel that served him to meet him in Jerusalem. He announced that his son Solomon would build a Temple to the Lord and he would supply the blueprints and all the furnishings. He had wanted to build it himself but because he had been a warrior and shed much blood, he would not be the one to build it. Solomon would be a king of peace. He admonished Solomon to stay loyal to the Lord and worship him alone as the only God and obey all his commands. He presented the plans to Solomon in the sight of the leaders and instructions concerning the service of the Temple and explained all the items in the Temple and their use. Every detail of the instruments and the furniture was given Solomon by David. Lastly he told him to be strong and not afraid because God was with him and would help him finish the Temple just as David had been shown. God would send just the right people with the skills needed for each task. David had supplied all the materials Solomon would need to build the Temple and David also gave all of his private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. It was more than 112 tons of gold and 262 tons of silver. David asked the men if they would like to give also. They collected from the people and gave about 118 tons of gold, 10,000 gold coins, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bonze and 3,750 tons of iron. They also gave many precious stones. David lifted up a prayer to the Lord praising him for who he is and all he had done for them. They offered over 3000 animals on the altar to the Lord. and feasted with great joy. Solomon was again crowned as their new king and anointed as their leader and Zadok was anointed to be the priest. All the officials and warriors pledged their loyalty to King Solomon. David had reigned 40 years over Israel, 7 in Hebron and 33 in Jerusalem. He died having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. In Romans, we see that by Jesus’ death our friendship with God was restored. Jesus died when we were enemies with God to make us his friend. God and Adam were friends before Adam sinned. When Adam died in his sin, we all died spiritually but Adam was a type of Christ. Jesus came to give us the gift of forgiveness and a restoration of our relationship with God. Jesus’ gift of his life gave us the gift of righteousness - right standing with God, and eternal life. Lord, thank you that you want to restore your friendship with us. Thank you that you chose to restore us and bring us back into fellowship with you. May we see you as our loving Father and our greatest friend.