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Devotion: Finishing Well

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Today in the Word
Today in the Word

DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017

Read 1 Chronicles 29

Finishing Well

While competing in the Olympic marathon in Mexico City in 1968, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari suffered an injury and finished last. By the time he finally crossed the finish line, the sun had set and many of the spectators had already left the stadium. When asked why he had continued, Akhwari replied, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”

The closing chapter of 1 Chronicles includes David’s challenge to God’s people to support Solomon in the completion of the temple: “The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the L… God” (v. 1). The response of the assembled leaders is reminiscent of the reaction of God’s people to Moses’ call to contribute for the construction of the tabernacle: “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the L… for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (Ex. 35:21). As the people consecrated themselves to God for the work, David dedicated the project and consecrated his son Solomon in prayer. David’s prayer is marked by humility and the recognition that success comes from the Lord (v. 12).

David correctly recognizes that success is a result of the grace of God. This project had begun with careful preparation and an impressive willingness to see it through, yet David also asked God to “keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you” (v. 18).

This is a fitting conclusion to our study of 1 Chronicles. We have seen that this book is more than a list of names. It is a record of God’s continuing faithfulness to His people.

APPLY THE WORD

We make plans and expend effort but it is really God who accomplishes the work. How can you be sure that you will follow through in your commitment to Jesus Christ? The answer: You need to depend on God’s Spirit. The one who called you will also keep you. God will enable you in finishing well.

Today in the Word is a production of Moody Global Ministries

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