May 29

As David’s life draws to a close in 1 Kings 1 and 1 Chronicles 26–28, we see a faithful leader preparing the next generation. He organizes the temple gatekeepers and treasurers, assigns duties, and charges Solomon with building the house of the Lord. Though David will not see the temple completed, his heart is fixed on finishing well.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God… is with you.” (1 Chronicles 28:20) David understands that leadership is stewardship. He didn’t just rule; he prepared, instructed, and passed the torch. He reminds Solomon—and us—that what we’ve been given is not ours to own, but to manage for God's glory.

Romans 6 shifts our focus from external building to internal transformation. Paul reminds us that through Christ, we are not just stewards of responsibility—we are recipients of new life.
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death… that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

Because of Christ, we don’t serve out of duty or fear. We serve as new creations, dead to sin and alive to God. Paul’s words are direct and freeing:

“Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)

“Offer yourselves to God… as instruments of righteousness.” (Romans 6:13)

David handed Solomon blueprints for the temple. Jesus gives us new hearts and new identities. And like Solomon, we are now called to build faithfully with what we’ve been given—not for salvation, but because we already have it.

The question for us is: will we live like free people, surrendered to God, building something that honors Him?

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