“When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying: ‘I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statues, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. Then the LORD will establish his word that he spoke concerning me: “If your heirs take heed to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you a successor on the throne of Israel.”’” 1 Kings 2:1-4
O that every father would speak powerful words of encouragement to their children; and that every son and daughter would be encouraged so positively, would hear and live the entirety of their lives in loving obedience to God. That is the ideal for sure! O that those good fathers who encourage so powerfully would do so all the time. Not as David did, shortly after when he instructs Solomon to “not let his (Joab) gray head go down to Sheol in peace” 1 Kings 2:6b. For a man forgiven by God of some horrific sins, David is not forgiving toward Joab. Solomon learns the lesson well. Shortly after being anointed king, Solomon has Adonijah killed (1 Kings 2:24-25) after requesting Abishag be given to him in marriage. (Abishag is the young virgin who served King David during his last days; she kept him warm lying in David’s bosom, but did not know him sexually) Solomon obviously saw this as a power grab by Adonijah, who had previously proclaimed himself king, which was an attempt to replace David and deny Solomon. Fathers, we must be consistent in what we say and do, as the spiritual leaders of our families. Our children’s lives everlasting are at stake! Let’s all “be strong, be courageous, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statues, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies,” every moment of every day in all our relationships. O God help me to forgive as I have been forgiven!