14 “But who am I…?” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
Good Question
Who am I? Is there a question man asks more often? Is there a more important question man can ask? Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? What is the meaning of it all?
Where do we look for the answers to life’s most important questions?
In today’s text, it is King David who is asking the question. King David is coming to the end of his illustrious reign. King David is coming to the end of his impressive life. A man after God’s own heart; he was hand-picked by God to rule over the nation of Israel. God’s chosen people. The apple of His eye. But David’s time is ending.
Great King
David was a mighty King. He was a man of great military prowess having defeated many of Israel’s enemies. He had it in his heart to “build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of God” (1 Chronicles 28:2). David made preparations for the building project, but God stopped him because David was a man of war and had shed much blood. Although David would not be allowed to build the Temple, the privilege would belong to his son Solomon, whose coming reign would be one of peace.
Denied the opportunity to participate in the construction, David assumed the role of encourager. So now, at the end of his life, David has assembled the leaders of Israel. With a heart overflowing with passion, David desires to challenge Solomon and those who will be responsible for building the Temple.
In preparation for the construction, David gives Solomon working plans. He also encourages Solomon that the skilled workers are ready to begin. In addition, King David and others have donated items such as gold, silver, bronze, iron and precious stones for the temple. What more is necessary? Keeping everything in perspective.
THE KING and I
“Who am I?”
Before passing the torch to his son, David prays to his Father. It is after he looks heavenward that David asks the question, “Who am I?”. David’s question is not asked in isolation, rather it is asked in relation to His Creator. Hence he asks the question showing a contrast, “But who am I?” David’s question isn’t so much one of identity, but rather an expression of unworthiness. Yet I think there is much we can glean from David’s question. In order to understand who we are, we have to understand who God is. Accordingly, I believe David’s question was asked in the proper context.
David’s reputation as a King is legendary. His fame was unparalleled. He had more wealth than he could spend. As a leader he was greatly loved by his people and greatly feared by his enemies. But these things didn’t “make” King David. He did not look into the mirror for answers to who he was.
Surrounded by his family, nation, and immense wealth, David is about to return to dust. Before his death he does not recount his accomplishments. He does not bemoan his regrets. He does not look around, but rather above. Wisely, David “blesses the Lord in the presence of all the assembly.”
Looking Up
Unlike King David, so many people think they are defined by their work. Others think they are defined by their families or other relationships. Some think “who they are” is equivalent to their reputation. Sadly, many think they are defined by their accomplishments; sadder yet, many think they are defined by their sins. We are bombarded by so many lies is it any wonder so many struggle with an identity crisis? Perhaps they should look at David’s prayer.
When David prays, he recognizes the covenant-keeping character of God. He exalts the greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty of God. He concedes that God owns everything in heaven and earth, including the kingdom of which God is exalted as head above all. Further, David’s prayer stresses that both riches and honor come from God and God rules over all. In addition, power and might are in the hand of God, and it is in God’s hand to make great and give strength to all. Therefore, David thanks God and praises His glorious name. Such is God…”But who am I?”
God First
Unlike God who owns everything on heaven and earth, David is merely a recipient of the gifts God gives. Everything David has to offer is simply a return of what God has given him. The possessions David has don’t define him, they merely reflect his dependency upon God. David recognizes that although blessed by God, ultimately his role is a steward.
David not only recognizes himself as a steward of “his” possessions, but he also understands that his life is but a mist and this earth is not his home. In his prayer, he refers to himself as a stranger, a sojourner, and a shadow. Nearing the end of his life, David has no misconceptions about his mortality. There is no substance to a shadow. David’s time on earth doesn’t define who he is.
David owns nothing. David’s life is brief. But David’s prayer is not finished. After admitting what he lacks, David offers what God wants; his heart and his worship. David testifies that God tests the heart and takes pleasure in uprightness, and confesses that it is with an upright heart that he is making an offering to God; freely and joyously.
Created to Worship
Who is David? A worshiper. And so are you.
You are created by God. You are dependent upon God. Your life is transitory. But your life has an eternal purpose, to offer your heart to God in worship; freely and joyously.
Who am I? You’re not a result of evolution. Your life isn’t meaningless. God created you in His image to enjoy His fellowship. More important than asking the question, is where we look for the answer.
Identity in Christ
I want to conclude by sharing a poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Germany when Hitler came into power. He recognized the threat of the Nazi regime and spoke out against it when many would not. Bonhoeffer was encouraged to “hide” in the United States to save himself, but refused. He believed he could not lead his people if he did not suffer with them.
Bonhoeffer was eventually arrested as an enemy of the State. He was executed just days before Hitler’s suicide. From his prison cell, Bonhoeffer wrote the poem entitled, Who Am I?
Whether the question is asked by a King sitting on his throne, or a prisoner sitting on a cell floor, we can rejoice that the answer is always the same. Our identity is in Christ.
Who Am I?
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a Squire from his country house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectations of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all.
Who am I? This or the Other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine!