The Lodestar

C. S. Lewis said: "I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare" (In Mere Christianity).

King David was not only the sweet singer of Israel but had set a standard in generosity, especially in giving for godly causes.

This passage narrates part of David's plans for the Temple that he wanted to build for the Lord but was not allowed to do so (2 Samuel 7:1—17). Though the Lord forbade him from building the Temple and assigned it to David's son, Solomon, for the task, David had amassed the funds and even laid out the order of the priestly worship, especially the music (2 Chron 7:6; 8:14).

The writer of the Book of Chronicles reminisces about Israel's ideal past during the reigns of David and Solomon for those who returned from exile, built the second Temple, and reconstituted them as a worshipping community with a clear national and religious identity.

David, in a selfless act, informed the elders of Israel that he had raised a substantial fund for the building of the Temple (1 Chron 29:2). He not only set aside a sizeable portion for the temple-building but also pledged all his wealth to the project.

"Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver" (1 Chronicles 29:3—5).

Having given all that he had for the Temple, a project he would not live to see completed, David challenged the elders of Israel. "Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?" The elders' response was not just a match to their leader's commitment but a powerful demonstration of the impact of collective generosity (1 Chron 29:7—9).

The leader's example of generous giving and ardent devotion to the cause moved the people to contribute. David was not a typical fundraiser but exemplified giving. Moreover, he had a greater understanding of giving. He called giving "consecrating oneself to the Lord." The Hebrew word translated as "consecrating" is the technical term for the ordination of the priests for the Lord's service (Exod 28:41). In his challenge to give David raised the act of providing many notches. Giving is not parting with your money, but with the money we must give our life also for the service of the Lord. We and all we have must be left at the Lord's disposal.

As we reflect on David's unparalleled generosity and his call to consecrate oneself through giving, let us be inspired to emulate his example. Today, consider how you can offer willingly to the Lord, not just in monetary terms, but in dedicating your time, talents, and treasures for his service. Remember, faithful giving is an act of consecration, a holy commitment of our entire being to God's purpose. Let us rise to the challenge, giving more than we can spare, and in doing so, consecrate our lives to the Lord, becoming vessels of His grace and love in this world.

*Solomon dedicated the Temple in 959 B. C., eleven years after David died in 970 B.C.