James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary
1 Chronicles 22:11
WORK AND PROSPERITY
‘My son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God.’
The course which the aged king took with his young son, Solomon, was marked by great wisdom and consideration. He inspired his mind with a high conception of his future life-work, and, at the same time, led him to cherish a pious dependence upon the Divine power and guidance as essential to true prosperity. The good counsel and the good wishes contained in this verse are applicable to all servants of God in every station of life.
I. Divine Providence appoints for all of us a great and solemn work in life.—The young king was destined to build the house of the Lord. It was a high and sacred function. Yet, rightly regarded, the life of every Christian is consecrated to an honourable and responsible work. There is danger lest this should be under-estimated.
II. Our life-work is a work for God.—This was perhaps obvious in the case of Solomon, and it may not be so obvious in our case. Yet, the rearing of a Temple was secular service, holy because of the spirit in which it was undertaken, and of the aim to which it was directed. Whatever be our vocation, we, as Christians, are called upon to ‘serve the Lord Christ.’
III. In order to true prosperity in our efforts, we need the presence and the aid of the Lord our God.—It was because David’s prayer, ‘The Lord be with thee,’ was heard and answered, that the young king enjoyed wisdom to build the Temple, and to rule the nation, and that he prospered in his way. Self-confidence is the sure road to destruction and misery. But they who acknowledge, seek, and serve their God, shall be upheld and guided, and when they put the topstone to the edifice of life, it shall be with rejoicing, gratitude, and praise!
Illustration
‘We never can find out our part in this world by our own wisdom, or by following our own way. We must recognise our ignorance, and ask God at each step. “And what now?” If God has a plan for our life, it is very clear that we must not be for ever making our own plans and taking our own way. That He will show us our duty and give us wisdom and grace to do it, if we ask Him, is very clear. Very likely this is not the usual view of life even among Christians, yet there is no doubt that it is the true view. It may set aside many human ambitions, but if we take God’s way rather than our own we shall never regret it. Every human plan or ambition should be brought to God; then if it accords with His it should be carried out; if it does not, His should always be taken instead.’