A Heart that Asks ~ 1 Chronicles 14

“David inquired of God…”, “And David again inquired of God…” 1 Chronicles 14:10a, 14:14a

              There are four main types of sentences categorized by their function: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Declarative sentences make statements. Interrogative sentences ask questions. Imperative sentences give commands or make requests. Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion or excitement.  And depending on what you are attempting to achieve, you will use the proper sentence structure to achieve your goal.  But what is interesting is by analyzing the sentence structure used, you can peek behind the curtain of the user’s intention.  If someone is only utilizing the imperative, they are seeking control.  If someone is solely speaking in the declarative, they are attempting to relay information, possibly teaching.  Yet if someone is leveraging the interrogative they are either seeking information or asking permission.  And when it comes to the latter, a life asking permission, you not only get to peek behind the curtain of that life but are allowed to walk into its inner chambers.

              You see, when you ask permission for something, there is a deeper message at play.  For asking permission means someone else has the control and you don’t.  And folks, if there is anything that rubs our sin nature the wrong way, it is admitting that someone else has control over our lives.  And that very rub is why so many hearts are at odds with God today.  They stubbornly refuse to admit that God is in thorough control of their lives and that they really have none.  And it is around this age-old struggle that we find most of God’s Word focused.  God creates man, man in his free will decides he does not need God, man’s sin gets him in to trouble, man cries out to God in his desperation, God steps in to rescue His poor creature.  It is a cycle that repeats ad nauseum throughout human history and throughout the 66 books of the Bible.

              But there is a single action that can call the above vicious cycle to a sudden halt before its momentum creates havoc.  Shift in control.  You see, when a human heart is driven to its rock bottom by the consequence of its sin, it is finally ready to open its eyes and truly admit who holds the reins of this life.  And in this daily admittance of whom is genuinely in control, the interrogative sentence finds a great place of value.  For you see, the heart that is relying on God for everything will need to inquire of Him.  That heart will have questions and need guidance.  And when the Lord is sought with all the heart and inquired of…He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13) and He will hear. (John 15:7, 1 John 5:14)

              First and second Chronicles were originally one large book that was split into two parts when it was translated into Greek in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.  These books are basically a retelling of Israelite history through a priestly perspective.  Many of the accounts and stories held in Chronicles are previously told in Samuel and Kings, yet here you can hear the stories told in a different manner, sometimes containing additional information, sometimes less.  But the beauty of God’s Word is that no matter how the story is told, the lesson shines forth with ease.  And as we find good King David battling the mean ol’ Phillistines again in 1 Chronicles, we find the stature of his heart exactly the same as in other Biblical books.  It is a heart that beats after God’s own (1 Samuel 13:14).  And a heart that devotedly follows God will have great need for Him, including His guidance, wisdom, help, and leading.  And for a close walk with the Lord, David relied heavily upon interrogative sentences.

              Twice here in the 14th chapter of 1 Chronicles we find careful notation of David preparing to go into battle against the enemies of God’s kingdom.  And as he did, he wore not only the gold crown of king but the golden stars of general of the Israelite army.  It’s important to note here that with this type of power, David could have easily rested in his own counsel as king and general.  And those around him would have allowed it.  David also could have rested in the counsel of the mighty men of valor that God had surrounded him with.  And the kingdom would have allowed it, even condoned it.  But David went where few kings, generals, and president go today when they encounter a crossroads…He took not just one but two interrogative sentences to the Lord.  He inquired of the Lord.  He asked God.  And in both instances, when he received an answer from the Lord, he did what the Lord instructed.  What a crazy simple 3-point plan we have laid before us.  1) Know who is in control, 2) inquire of the Lord, and then 3) do what He says.

              Today you have an exam.  No, it’s not algebra, science, or history, it’s a self-exam.  And folks, these are the hardest exams you will ever take.  Ask yourself who is truly in control of your life today?  And as a result of your answer, do you ever inquire of the Lord?  And if you do inquire of the Lord, do you do whatever He tells you to do?  You see, if you are sitting on the throne of your own heart, why would there even be a need to ask the Lord about His plan for your life?  I pray that as you dare to take the exam of self-introspection you find the Lord where He belongs, sitting on the throne of your heart.  A heart He created, loves, cherishes, and so desires to guide into an abundant life overflowing with purpose, peace, joy, and harmony.  And all you must do to claim this life is live in the posture of the interrogative, asking and inquiring of the Lord in all you say, think, and do.

Blessings to you ~ Dan

Verses where David inquires of the Lord: 1 Samuel 23:2, 1 Samuel 23:4-5, 1 Samuel 23:10-11, 1 Samuel 23:12-14 Samuel 30:8-9, 2 Samuel 2:1-2, 2 Samuel 5:19, 2 Samuel 5:23, 1 Chronicles 14:10, 1 Chronicles 14:14.

"upon this rock", Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico