Passing the Baton

When David was stepping down as the king of Israel, he publicly gathered the officials and commanders of Israel, presenting to them that his son Solomon would be the next in line on the royal throne and that God has appointed Solomon to build His temple. That was a major turning point of Israel’s history.
(1) The Gathering of Leaders (vv1-8)
(2) The Charge to “Know, Serve and Seek” God (vv9-10)
(3) Passing Down the Blueprints and tasks (vv11-19)
(4) Assurance of God’s presence (vv20-21)

(1) The Gathering of Leaders (vv1-8)
David gathered the leaders together and declared that Solomon would be the next king. As much as he wanted to, he was not the one to build God’s
Temple. God explicitly told him that he was a warrior and his hands had shed much blood.

Instead God had chosen his son, Solomon, to build His Temple. The Temple was designed to symbolize shalom (peace), and therefore it should be built by a king of peace (Solomon). God had chosen Solomon to establish the kingdom and to inherit the covenant. David then asked the officials to support his son in the building project.

(2) The Charge to “Know, Serve and Seek” God (vv9-10)
Then David turned to his son and charged him to know God (not head knowledge but it should be a personal and deep relationship with God), serve God whole-heartedly (with joy and with all his might, not half-hearted service to God), seek God (pursue God and seek for His wisdom). David loved
the Lord His God wholeheartedly and he charged his son to put God first and seek Him.

(3) Passing Down the Blueprints and tasks (vv11-19)
David received from the Spirit how the Temple should look like. It was not out of his imagination but this came from God. David gave detailed blueprints: the architecture (the portico, storerooms, upper rooms, inner rooms, and the Holy of Holies), the precincts (the outer courtyards, the surrounding chambers to hold the Temple treasuries), the sacred objects: the exact weight of refined gold and silver needed to craft every utensil, fork, basin, pitcher and lampstand and the chariot of the cherubim (the detailed designs for the golden angels whose wings would overshadow the Ark of the Covenant. This building project was very important to King David. All these blueprints were carefully passed down to Solomon so that Solomon would know exactly what to do.


(4) Assurance of God’s presence (vv20-21)
David ended the gathering by assuring his son Solomon that he would not be alone for this massive project. God is with him. David had organized divisions of priests, Levites, and skillful craftsmen who were willing to come alongside Solomon for this task.
Lastly, David reminded Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” (verse 20)

From David’s example, we see a mentor passing his baton to the next appointed leader. He reminded his son of God’s sovereignty, the responsibility of the Temple building project and the importance of knowing, serving and seeking God. He also asked the officials to support his son’s building project as well as charging the officials to keep God’s Word.


For us today, may it be that we will encourage the younger ones to do so likewise: to know, serve and seek God. May our lives be an encouragement to the young ones to follow God and to be faithful to do what He has entrusted to us.

Blessed 50th Anniversary!

Today is my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. 55 years together, 50 years married. How blessed!

When I asked them how do they feel being married to each other for 50 years, my mum said she felt time flew by so quickly.

May be this is what love is:time flies by because they are enjoying each other’s company.

Myay God bless them with many more years together! ❤️

A “Simple” Praise

One morning, my three-year-old nephew ran into my bedroom, delighted, and shouted with joy, “It’s morning, guys!” Then he ran out of the room, leaving my niece and me looking at each other and giggling.

He then picked up his plastic toy guitar (which couldn’t make any sound except for a twangy plastic noise) and started singing, “Hallelujah!” while strumming his toy guitar.

One thing that marvels me about children is how sensitive they are to the presence of God. The morning sun brings great delight to a three-year-old. Most of my mornings do not start that way. I usually wish I could sleep a little longer, and the day’s to-do list occupies my mind before I even remember to thank God.

What a contrast. I am a pastor, and he is just a little boy. I read theological books, my nephew can’t read at all. I realised that being knowledgeable in theology does not automatically mean I can see or find joy in the little blessings of each day. My nephew does not do theology but he already sees God and has so many reasons to praise God.

The God whom we worship is real and living. He speaks to us each day. He created the beauty of nature to remind us that He loves and cares for us. He is with us when we are making decisions at work. He is with us when we are resting. He is with us when we are sharing meals with our families. He is with us every day and every night, never forgetting or forsaking us. He hears every prayer we offer in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is we who are often forgetful of what God has done in our lives. It is we who fail to count our blessings because we are so distracted by the many concerns of life.

May we wake up every morning praising God, adoring Him, and discovering anew that He alone truly satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

Personal Reflections:

(1) When was the last time you woke up with a heart full of gratitude simply because God has given you another day?

(2) What blessings from God have become so familiar that you no longer notice them?

(3) What occupies your mind first each morning—your to-do list or God’s presence?

(4) How might God be inviting you to rediscover childlike joy in His presence today?

(5) Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in the ordinary moments of your life this week?

Dragon Boat Festival and What it Means for Us Christians

Dragon Boat Festival is associated with Qu Yuan (屈原) , who was a patriotic poet and a beloved minister during the Warring States period. He was falsely accused, which resulted in his exile by Emperor Huai. The next emperor surrendered the country to the rival states, and in his despair, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River.

When the villagers heard what he did, they raced out in boats to recover his body. To keep the fishes from eating his body, the villagers made rice dumplings and threw them into the river. They also beat drums to frighten off the fish. This has since evolved into a yearly Chinese traditions of eating rice dumplings and dragon boat races on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar.

What does it mean for us as Christians today?

(1) Honouring admirable virtues:

Qu Yuan demonstrated virtues such as loyalty, courage, and integrity. As Christians, we can appreciate the virtues Qu Yuan was upholding. The Bible also teaches values such as faithfulness, integrity, and justice.

(2) Appreciate our cultural heritage:

Being Christians does not mean we have to abandon our  Chinese culture. We can still have family gatherings and eating rice dumplings as expressions of family unity and heritage.

(3) Discernment regarding spiritual practices:

Some traditional customs have roots in folk religion or beliefs about warding off spirits and bad luck. As Christians, we should not participate in such practices but we can still enjoying the cultural and social elements of the festival, some of which includes family gathering and dinners.

(4) Opportunity for family and community:

The festival can be a time to strengthen relationships, such as: show hospitality and love to family, friends, and neighbours.

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

We can still enjoy the family gatherings or watching the Dragon Boat races while remaining clear that our worship belong to the triune God alone.

#dragonboat #ricedumplings #Chinese

A Heart Strangely Warm

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NIV)



On May 24, 1738, John Wesley reluctantly attended a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. Though he was a priest, missionary, and disciplined Christian, he still struggled to experience the assurance of God’s grace personally.


That evening, while listening to the preacher reading from Martin Luther’s introduction to the Book of Romans, Wesley experienced God. He wrote in his journal,
“I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation…”

Aldersgate reminds us that Christianity is more than religion. It is a living relationship with Jesus Christ.


Many people have head knowledge about God but still carry fear, uncertainty, or spiritual emptiness. Wesley discovered that salvation is not earned by good works or religious effort. It is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Aldersgate is not only a historical event.
It reminds us that God still transforms lives through grace today.

The same grace that touched Wesley is also given to us today.


Today, God is inviting you not merely just to be an intellectual Christian who know Him in our heart, but to trust Him personally and deeply and be transformed by His grace.

Questions for Reflection
(1) Have I experienced the assurance of God’s grace personally?
(2) What burdens, fears, or doubts am I carrying today?

Prayer
Gracious God,
Thank You for Your amazing grace that reaches us even when we are weary, doubtful, and broken. As You warmed the heart of John Wesley, warm our hearts anew today. Fill us with the assurance of Your love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Renew our faith, deepen our holiness, and send us out to share Your grace with the world.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Closer to God

J.C. Ryle, an Anglican bishop who often taught on holiness and purity, said that God would use suffering and affliction to bring us closer to Him.

Spiritual growth and closeness to God are more valuable than a life of comfort and temporal ease.

Life is full of distractions that can easily make us forget God. But God is not distant from human suffering. Jesus Christ came into this world as a helpless baby and He suffered and die on the Cross so that we sinners can be reconciled to God our Heavenly Father.

Our goal in life is to enjoy Him and to glorify Him in our daily living. We live not for ourselves but for His glory. 🙏🏼

Blessed Maundy Thursday!

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” As Jesus gathered His 12 disciples in the Upper Room, He gave them a new commandment: to love one another. He didn’t just say it; he showed it. He knelt to wash their dusty feet, and he shared a meal with them, including theman who would soon betray Him for 30 pieces of silver.

For us today, the Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross for us. When we partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded that: Jesus has come, Jesus is risen and Jesus will come again.
Not only do we partake in the bread and cup, we are to go out and love and serve our neighbours as well. To God be the glory.


Prayer:
Holy God, on this night, we remember that in the shadow of the cross, Your Son Jesus spent His previous last moments on earth with His disciples, giving them a commandment to love one another. Soften our hearts to receive Your grace. Teach us to love as You loved, to serve as You served. In the name of Jesus, the Bread of Life, Amen.