Arise and Build: A Call to Action for Kingdom Work
"Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee." - 1 Chronicles 22:16

In 1 Chronicles 22:16, we encounter a profound exhortation that calls every believer to engage in the sacred work of building God's kingdom. The verse states, "Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee." This scripture not only reflects the abundant resources at our disposal but also emphasizes the importance of immediate action infused with faith.
### Understanding the Context
King David is speaking to his son Solomon about the temple that Solomon is to build. David, having gathered great wealth and resources for this monumental task, reminds Solomon that the materials—gold, silver, brass, and iron—were beyond counting. David’s words highlight God's provision; He has equipped Solomon with everything needed for the task ahead. It indicates that when God calls us to fulfill His purposes, He also prepares the way, ensuring that we have the ample resources—both physical and spiritual—to accomplish His will.
### The Abundance of Resources
The first part of the verse reassures us of the vast wealth and resources available to our God. As believers, we often find ourselves in the midst of limitations, constraints, and even fear when tasked with significant endeavors. However, we must remember that God’s resources are limitless. Just as Solomon had access to uncountable gold and silver, we have the eternal wealth of God's kingdom at our disposal—His Word, His Spirit, and the Body of Christ. In Ephesians 3:20, we are reminded that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. This invites us to dream boldly, to see beyond our current situation, and to approach kingdom work with a sense of fearlessness and hope.
### The Call to Action
The second part of the verse, "Arise therefore, and be doing," is a clarion call for action. The phrase "arise" suggests an urgency and an invitation to move from a position of inactivity to one of engagement. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and put our hands to the work that God has laid before us. There is no room for complacency in the life of a believer; God desires active participants in His mission. Just like Solomon, who had to take on the monumental task of constructing the temple, we each have tasks assigned to us, whether it’s serving in the church, reaching out to those in need, or spreading the Gospel in our communities.
To fulfill God’s calling, we must "be doing." This encourages persistence and diligence. It reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God expects us to take the initiative in our obedience, trusting Him to provide the strength and direction. We must engage not just with our hands but also with our hearts, pouring our passion into the tasks He sets before us.
### God’s Assurance
Finally, the verse ends with a comforting affirmation: "and the LORD be with thee." This promise assures us that our efforts are not in vain, for God’s presence is with us. When we arise to do His work, we are not stepping into the fray alone; the Creator of the universe walks with us. In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces this assurance in Matthew 28:20 when He says, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
### Conclusion
In light of this scripture, we are invited to reflect: what is the work that God has laid out before us? In the midst of our resources and ambivalence, let us answer with hearts ready to act. The time is now to arise and be busy in the Master’s vineyard, equipped with the assurance of His steadfast presence. May we engage courageously and faithfully, knowing that with every step, the Lord is indeed with us.
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1 Chronicles 22:16 Artwork
1 Chronicles 22:16 - "Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee."
"Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee." - 1 Chronicles 22:16
1 Chronicles 16:22 - "Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
"Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." - 1 Chronicles 16:22
1 Chronicles 1:22 - "And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,"
1 Chronicles 1:16 - "And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite."
2 Chronicles 4:22
1 Chronicles 8:22 - "And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,"
1 Chronicles 16:16 - "Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;"
1 Chronicles 24:22 - "Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath."
1 Chronicles 22:1 - "Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel."
"And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba," - 1 Chronicles 1:22
1 Chronicles 24:16 - "The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,"
1 Chronicles 23:16 - "Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief."
1 Chronicles 6:16 - "¶ The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari."
1 Chronicles 8:16 - "And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the sons of Beriah;"
"And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite." - 1 Chronicles 1:16
1 Chronicles 11:16 - "And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Beth-lehem."
1 Chronicles 27:22 - "Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel."
1 Chronicles 4:16 - "And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel."
1 Chronicles 16:19 - "When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it."
1 Chronicles 22:17 - "¶ David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,"
1 Chronicles 25:22 - "The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
"And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel," - 1 Chronicles 8:22
1 Chronicles 12:16 - "And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David."
1 Chronicles 16:26 - "For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens."
1 Chronicles 16:27 - "Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place."
1 Chronicles 3:16 - "And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son."
1 Chronicles 23:22 - "And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them."
1 Chronicles 7:22 - "And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him."