David’s words to Solomon at the end of his life are almost a summary of the main message that the writer of Kings wishes to explain throughout the books: obey the Lord and you will prosper.

David gives Solomon three basic instructions:

1. Be strong – this command is not about physical strength. David is telling Solomon to be firmly rooted, courageous and bold in his character and his actions.
2. Act like a man – in what way should Solomon act like a man? Is David reminding him to act like a man and not like God? Or to act like a man and not like a woman? No. It is more likely that David is telling Solomon to act like a man and not like a child. It is time for Solomon to put aside his youthful ways, and become mature, responsible, thoughtful and wise.
3. Do what God requires – Solomon’s path was laid out for him by the Lord even before he was born. Now is the time for Solomon to get on with the task that the Lord has given to him.

It was time for Solomon to ‘be’, to ‘act’ and to ‘do’. In all of this, his guide was to be found in the perfect Law of God. God’s promise, that David emphasised, was that if Solomon was faithful in obedience to the Lord, the Lord would be faithful to fulfil his promises to David through Solomon.

We may not be called to be the King of Israel, but we are all urged to live a life worthy of the calling that we have received (Ephesians 4:1). Whatever the Lord has called you to, may you be rooted and established strongly in him, built up to maturity and guided always by his Word and his will.

next devotional >>

 

 

NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH