Warrior Poet King—When Dreams Die 1 Chronicles 28-29 Redding Christian—September 20, 2020
Intro I had a shocking realization when I turned 40.
I was never going to play in the NBA.
Up to that day in December, I had this tiny inclination that I was going to be playing pick-up basketball at the YMCA, a scout would walk in for some reason, and he would think, “We should give that guy a tryout.”
A little dream died that day…
More seriously, we face unrealized dreams all the time. A relationship that doesn’t work out A prayer for healing that feels as though it’s unanswered A child who walks away from the faith
As we come to the end of David’s life, we see that he had an unrealized dream. It’s been incredible to walk through this study o We’ve seen David enjoy the blessings of God o We’ve seen David endure the consequences of his sin o His life has been a reflection of our own . We can see ourselves in him . We can identify with him
As we come to the end of David’s life, we see him gather a large crowd to witness the passing of the kingdom to Solomon. This gathering is likely in the 1000’s
David begins by bringing up something he never did, but always wanted to. 1 Chronicles 28:2-3 David brings up the Temple o The account is in 2 Samuel 7 o David brings the idea of building the Temple to Nathan, the prophet . Nathan thinks it’s a good idea . God has other ideas o David is not allowed to build it . There are other, better things that God promises him Including Jesus! This is over 30 years later o That dream never died o That dream was never fulfilled
While David could have been bitter because the one thing he really wanted to see wouldn’t happen, he never did. He was the man after God’s own heart He did everything God wanted him to do o Acts 13:36 . He served the purpose of God
How did he keep from bitterness when his dream didn’t happen? As we answer the question, we’ll see how we can do the same. Because like David, God has purposes for each one of us o Every individual has a purpose for living—every one of us
1. David Always Remembered What He Had While David was all over the place during his life, God was always constant o As he gives his final charge to Solomon, David keeps pointing him back to God . 2 Chronicles 28:9 Know God o Learn about Him o Experience Him . Just as David did when he worshiped . Just as David did when he prayed . Just as David did when he wrote o That’s what he means by a whole heart and a willing mind Serve God o Remember your purpose Seek God o Even when you stray away, come back to Him While David didn’t get his dream, he always remember what he did have o 2 Chronicles 28:4 o David saw God do incredible things for him during his life . God chose him . God protected him . God made him king He united the kingdom He made Jerusalem the capital He brought peace—even the Philistines were defeated He increased the land from 6,000 square miles to 60,000 He created prosperity and trade He led the nation to spiritual vitality o It’s so easy to forget all the blessings of God . Take a moment today and recount all of the good things you’ve seen this year
2. David Thought About What’s Next David focused on the next generation o 1 Chronicles 28:5-7 . Solomon fulfills God’s promise to David o 1 Chronicles 28:11 . David set Solomon up for success He plans the Temple He collects everything that Solomon will need Then he releases his dream to Solomon God always uses the next generation o 1 Chronicles 28:20 o This sounds super familiar . Joshua 1:5-7 . The situations are incredibly similar Iconic leaders had great vision o Moses and the Promised Land o David and the Temple Those leaders wouldn’t see the goal their lives had been pointed to o Moses because of anger o David because of bloodshed God raised up the next generation to do it o If they will follow Him o As they are courageous because of Him o They can count on the presence, power, and promises of God . Just like Moses and David did Conclusion When it feels like a dream dies, remember that God’s dreams are always bigger than yours. God knows your sorrows o Psalm 56:8 . He keeps track of them . He remembers them God will replace them with something even better o Knowing Him o Serving Him o Living out the purpose that He has for you
Then, like David, your purpose will be lived out.
1 Chronicles 29:28