MAY 30, 2025

 "I wanted you to see what real courage is, it's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." - Harper Lee 

1 CHRONICLES 28-29

David, in the final moments of his leadership, speaks directly to his son Solomon—not just as a father, but as a servant of God passing the torch. He urges Solomon to know the Lord intimately, to serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing spirit. God knows every motive, every hidden desire—and He promises to be found by those who seek Him. But David doesn't just offer spiritual encouragement; he delivers a charge. “Be strong and do the work,” he says. The work of building God’s house isn’t just a task—it’s a calling. (1 Chronicles 28:9–10)

JOHN 11:47-57

In contrast, the religious elite gather in fear and desperation. Jesus had performed undeniable signs, but instead of celebrating the miracles, they saw them as threats to their control. Caiaphas, high priest that year, unknowingly prophesies the truth: that one man—Jesus—would die for the people, not just for Israel but to gather all of God's scattered children. From that moment, they begin to plot His death. The work Jesus was sent to do was unfolding, not with fanfare or applause, but with conspiracy and sacrifice. (John 11:47–53).

JOURNAL 

"Be strong and do the work." Those words of David to Solomon echo in my heart today like a father’s  hand on a son’s shoulder. They aren’t just for ancient kings or temple builders—they are for me. They are for anyone who dares to live with purpose in a world full of distraction, fear, and comfort. David isn’t just telling Solomon to build a temple—he’s telling him to build a life of obedience and faith.

It’s easy to stall out, to wait for the “perfect” season or wish the circumstances were different. But God isn’t waiting on perfect conditions—He’s calling us to courage. He’s calling us to begin, even when the odds look bad and the outcome is uncertain. He’s calling me to pour myself into the tasks right in front of me—mundane or massive—because work done with a willing heart glorifies Him.

Whether it's leading a classroom, folding laundry, comforting a child, mentoring a friend, creating something beautiful, or just showing up one more day—it matters. Because God sees the heart behind the hands.

Jesus didn’t shrink back from His mission even when He knew where it would lead. The cross didn’t catch Him off guard. Caiaphas spoke truer words than he knew: it was better that One die for many. Jesus did the work. He didn’t wait for applause or clarity. He obeyed—unto death.

And now He turns to us with the same charge David gave: Be strong and do the work. Not because we have to earn anything—but because we’ve already been chosen for something.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” Jesus said. “Therefore, go…” (Matthew 28:18–20).

There is work to do.

8Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

MATTHEW 28:8-20