transformed to worship and obey

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

1 Chronicles 22:13

This is the leadership character that David sought to encourage as his son Solomon ascended to the throne. The big task that David handed to his son was the construction of the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. David had a passion for God’s worship that he wanted Solomon to continue. He wanted the king and the kingdom to prosper by obedience to the Word of God.

But it would take strength, courage, lack of fear, and trusting God beyond discouragement to do so. To obey God’s Law and build God’s temple would take not just plans, skilled workers, and resources. It would take hearts devoted to loving, worshiping, and obeying God and His Law, for it needed to be built according to all the Law demanded. This is why these words find themselves in the middle of the charge to begin the building of the temple.

Obedience to God is something our souls must pay careful attention to. It does not come naturally to sinners. It must come from a heart transformed in intense worship. When we are near to God’s heart, He can work in us and with us. Thankfully, Jesus transforms us by His new life in us as the Spirit of God makes us anew! We can trust. We can obey God. We can be made new by His power and not our own so that His Spirit can live in us as His Word changes us.