Bible Pathway - April 21
Read 1 Kings 1 – 2:25
Highlights:
King David at death's door; Adonijah organizes another revolt, but nothing thwarts the sovereign purpose of God; Look who stops the coup (1 Kin. 1:11-53); David charges Solomon to walk with God (2:1-4).
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself (1 Kings 2:3).
As we talked about yesterday, David was coming to the end of his life. Solomon, his son, was taking David's place as king of the nation of Israel. David wanted to pass on the best advice to Solomon that he possibly could.
It is obvious from what David chose to say to his son here at the end of his life that his greatest desire was that Solomon follow the Lord. David basically charges Solomon to be obedient to all of God's commands. He also says that obedience to God will ensure that Solomon prospers.
David knew of what he was speaking. God had surely allowed him to prosper in his lifetime. David had blessed him as a shepherd, soldier and king. David knew the only way in life was God's way. God had led him this far and would now lead him one last time into eternity. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Rev. 7:17).
David could have chosen many things to say as his last words to his son. This son was inheriting his throne. He could have given him a lesson in military strategy, for David had won many battles. He could have spent this time teaching him of diplomacy, for David at times had made friends out of enemies.
David chose his last words well. He wanted to pass on the most important thing he could. He wanted his son to be a godly man as king. Surely, he wanted Solomon to avoid the mistakes he had made himself. If Solomon would follow this advice, he could avoid the snares of sin that David had fallen into more than once. It is often only one little thing that catches us off guard. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Heb. 12:1).
Most everyone wants a better life for their children than they had. Many work hard their whole lives so they might put their children through college and give them a chance to advance themselves. Others teach their children a trade at a young age so they never struggle for a job. Still others save their whole life to leave an inheritance to their children.
The greatest inheritance we could give to our children is to live a godly life in front of them. Read them the Word of God. Pray with them. Encourage them to live for God. These are the things that will change their lives forever.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2).
Thought for Today:
Giving verbal instruction to our children is very important, but even more they need to see our godly example.
Christ Revealed:
By the oil used to anoint Solomon (1 Kin. 1:39). Oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was poured out upon those chosen for special service. Jesus is the Anointed One of God: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor ((needy) (Luke 4:18; see Is. 61:1).
Word Studies:
1:2 cherish, be of service as his nurse; 1:6 not displeased, never rebuked or corrected; 2:6 hoar head . . . peace, die of old age in peace; 2:17 say thee nay, refuse your request.
Prayer Suggestion: Remember that prayer changes things (James 5:16-18).
Optional Reading: Acts 22
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34
