He must have done some things like this, for he managed to generate an overwhelming response from the people in terms of time, treasure, talent, and strength for the project. Visionary leaders understand that vision has to be communicated, clarified, and communicated again and again if it’s to have the effect of moving people to respond.

At the very least we know this: David wrote Psalm 68 and put it to work in the worship of God. Probably the psalm was used at large national worship events, such as the feast days of Israel. But it may have found its way back to local communities and families, where the people would certainly have been struck with the many benefits associated with God’s coming to dwell in His temple.

The blessings of God’s presence

Chief among these was the promise of God’s coming to dwell among them in glory. This is the heart of God’s covenant: “I will be Your God, and You will be My people, and I will show you My glory.” The building of the temple meant that God was coming to dwell among His people, not in a threadbare tabernacle that, by David’s day, must have been in need of continual repair, but in a glorious structure of beauty, majesty, and imposing dignity and power.

When God came to dwell among His people, He would distribute the blessings and benefits of salvation liberally, meeting all the needs of His people and causing them to prosper in every way (vv. 18-20).

Further, all the enemies of Israel would be subdued and scattered, and the people would dwell in peace. They would begin to enjoy all the promises of God’s covenant in greater measure, because He was coming to dwell with them. All His people would have access to Him, to bring with grateful hearts their gifts to Him Who gifted them so lavishly in all their ways.

Lord of the nations

David also assured the people that the nations surrounding Israel, their historic and often vicious enemies, would come under the rule and jurisdiction of God Himself.

It must have been a matter of some consternation for Israelites to ponder David’s passing. He had been such a powerful king, and had subdued so many of their enemies. Now Israel maintained outposts among their enemies as far away as Damascus, and David promised that God would ensure that the enemies of His people would no longer threaten their peace (vv. 28-32).

Indeed, so glorious would be the presence of God in His temple that the nations of the earth would bring gifts to Him, and come to Him seeking wisdom to rule their own peoples according to the wisdom and glory of God. We see this promise fulfilled in detail during the years of Solomon’s reign after the temple had been finished (cf. 1 Kgs. 10).

And the nations would know that, as glorious and splendid as was the temple the people had constructed for their God, God Himself was immeasurably greater, more powerful, more glorious than even this structure suggested (v. 35). The strength and power of God, to which the temple bore witness, He would give to His people to continue and extend His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (v. 35).

Thus the people were encouraged that taking up the work of this temple was a double blessing. God would be glorified and worshiped, even by pagan kings and peoples. And they would know the fullness of His blessing and presence with them, in prosperity and peace.

Jesus intends His Church to be a blessing to the world – a source of beauty and joy (Ps. 48.13), and the light of the world, salt of the earth, and leaven of grace and truth in a sin-withered world. As Christ comes to dwell with His people, in the Person of His Holy Spirit, we should expect great blessings and abundant honor to redound to our King and God.

Visionary leaders know that Christ intends great designs for His Church. He has written them in His Word and entrusted them to the shepherds of His flock. Our task is to show those plans and designs to His people, to encourage them in the work of building the Church, the dwelling-place of Christ, the epicenter of His Kingdom, and the source of joy for the world.

Next steps

Do your church leaders have a vision for your church like this? Ask a few of your church leaders, or your pastor, to summarize your church’s vision for being the beauty, joy, Kingdom epicenter, and light of your community. Offer to do whatever you can to help realize this vision.

Additional Resources

Download this week’s study, Visionary Leadership.

Sign up for ViewPoint Leaders Training and start your own ViewPoint discussion group.

Need vision for a revived church? Order a copy of T. M.’s book, Preparing Your Church for Revival, from our online store.

And men, download our free brief paper, “Men of the Church: A Solemn Warning,” by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.