Xanthe Hancox

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

‘I am about to go the way of all the earth,’ he said. ‘So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go ...” 1 Kings 2:1-3

This was the advice that David gave to his son Solomon, who was now king and had many decisions before him. He wanted his son to have every success, and perhaps he sensed Solomon would be tested in far greater ways than before. The expression to be strong and act like a man is the same one used by the Philistines in (1 Samuel 4:9) as they encouraged one another in a battle against what they assumed to be insurmountable odds. David knew that Solomon would have great responsibilities, and great responsibilities require great strength and courage.

David also knew that Solomon would find success if he walked in obedience to God. And this wasn’t some kind of general good advice; David had a specific promise of God. God promised David that as long as his sons walked in obedience to him, they would keep the throne of Israel. This is an amazing promise. No matter what the Assyrians or the Egyptians or the Babylonians did, as long as David's sons were obedient and followed God with their heart and with all their soul, God would establish their physical, earthy, kingdom. He would take care of the rest.

We may envy the sons of David because they had such a promise, but we have a similar promise from God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God promises that if we put him first, and walk in obedience to him, he will take care of the rest. History teaches us that God was faithful to his promises to David, and we can be assured that he will be faithful to his promises to us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promise to give me everything I need. Give me the strength and courage to put you first in every decision I make today, no matter how big or small. Amen