David is known for many things in the Bible.
He was anointed as king at an early age. He killed Goliath as a young man when all the bravest soldiers in Israel were hiding. He made worship a big deal with God’s people.
He was a man after God’s own heart.
While he sinned greatly during his life, he knew the power of honest repentance and would find his way back to God. After a long life filled with ups and downs, David attempted to summarize his desire for his son, Solomon in some of his last words on earth.
Do you know what this man desired most for his son?
1 When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying,2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lackt a man on the throne of Israel.’-1 Kings 2:1-4.
David wanted Solomon to have a life characterized by being strong and brave. In the face of temptation and pressure, he wanted his son to be able to stand firm and do the right thing even when it was the unpopular choice or the uneasy decision.
He also wanted to Solomon to keep his “obligation to the LORD” (v. 3). He didn’t want him to commit to one thing and do another. He wanted him to follow through his resolutions. This father desperately wanted to know that his son would walk in the ways of the Lord. He wanted him to keep his statutes, commandments, judgments, and testimonies (v. 3).
Can you think of a better legacy to leave behind for your family? What if every family member of yours lived such a life of obedience? Greater than only giving these instructions, it is imperative that you live this example before them.
Today, imagine that your time to die was approaching. No matter the state of your health, the reality is that day is closer than it was yesterday. What would your family say was your one message you tried to instill in them all of their days? What would their lives be like if they followed your example?
Today, show yourself a man. Obey in such a way that others follow behind you.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
You must be logged in to post a comment.