Over the past few weeks I have found myself intrigued and drawn to the relationship between David and his son Solomon.  The story is found in I Chronicles 17 and begins with David realizing that he is living in a magnificent palace, but that the Ark (which symbolized the presence of God) was dwelling in a tent.  It was the heart of David to build a glorious temple for God, but God told David…”NO”.  Has God ever told you “NO”?  That must have been a crushing blow to David’s heart and ego, but an incredible lesson for all of us as we serve, lead and more importantly learn to release those coming behind us.

It was David’s heart and vision, but God told David that it would be one of his descendants and not him that would be given the privilege and responsibility of building the temple.  Now, I am sure you are much holier and sanctified than I am, but overcoming hurt, anger and getting certain questions answered describe my potential reaction to God’s decision.  I can imagine questions like ”don’t you know that the whole temple concept is my vision and plan?”  “Why not me?”

However, this was not David’s reaction.  David’s heart to worship and please God never ceases to amaze me.  He went out and prayed and began to thank God for giving his family an eternal legacy.  Then in I Chronicles 22 we find David doing everything possible to prepare for Solomon’s success.  He gathered the gold, the silver, the wood, and all of the skilled craftsmen together in preparation for the temple to be built.  Instead of being filled with envy and bitterness, David set his heart to making sure that the next generation fulfilled the purposes of God.

I really believe God is trying to reveal to those of us who walk in leadership today to come to an understanding that everything that God has ordained for His Church is not going to be fulfilled through us.  In fact I am convinced that part of the restoration of the Apostolic order that God has reestablished in the church over the last 20 years has been for this purpose.  God’s desire has been for us to see into the future with understanding that we have been called to raise up and release (send out) a generation coming behind us.  It is a heart that says, “Let me help you, and feel free to stand on my shoulders, but you can rest assure that I will not hold you back or limit your potential with my structure, strategies or systems”.

The next generation is coming with energy, their own strategies and a burning desire to serve God in a radical way.  God has already called and anointed them to reach their generation.  The challenge to myself and my generation is to become like David and gather all of the resources available.  Do everything within our power to prepare for those God has chosen to build and advance His Kingdom.

This is my challenge to those who serve and lead.  Over the next 30-60 days, find as many opportunities that God brings your way to help prepare and release the generation coming behind you to find their identity and purpose in God’s Kingdom.  Then take a few moments and celebrate the idea of preparing the way for the next generation God is raising up.

Pastor Robbie