David’s question fell on willing hearts, and there was a wonderful
response to his appeal. Gold, silver, and precious stones were poured
into the treasury, and the willing heart with which all was done was
beautiful. It was not done grudgingly or of necessity, but with a happy,
joyous, thankful spirit, so that the old man’s heart was gladdened, and
“David the King rejoiced with great joy.” {83a} It was this joyous
spirit that called forth his praise. When he saw the blessed result of
his appeal he did not lay it down to his personal influence, or to his
own persuasive power, but he stood up and blessed the Lord. He was too
old for government, but he was not too old for praise. His last words
from the throne were those of praise and prayer. His joy ran straight
into thanksgiving, and in this thanksgiving two principles were
conspicuous, he gave all the glory to God, and he acknowledged himself
and his people to be utterly unworthy of the sacred privilege of this
happy service. This is the true view of service and of gifts. When God
calls us to work for Him, or to give for Him, we should not regard it as
a burden laid upon us, but as an honour to which we are invited, an
honour that angels themselves might covet. This was the spirit of David
when he said “What am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to
offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of
Thine own have we given Thee.” {83b} And this should be our own spirit
in all service and all gifts for such a Lord. We do not want to regard
it as a yoke, a necessity, a heavy task imposed on us by God; but as an
honour, a privilege, a happy, loving service of the King of kings, for
which the best amongst us is utterly unworthy.