1st Kings 1:1-12 THE CHARGE The final words of a person's life are important. They may not be many, but are often full of meaning, wisdom and valuable instruction. A parent's final words to a son or daughter are not usually forgotten. In the scriptures a number of leaders gave final words we remember and are relevant to us today. Moses said to Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage ... the Lord, He it is that goeth before thee; He will not fail thee; neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Joshua said, "Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you." Samuel said, "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name's sake ... Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." Final instructions need to be heard, listened to and be understood.
To "act like a man" is not a charge to be arrogant or take arbitrary control, but rather listen to what God says, and do what He requires. There are obligations relating to God's commandments and decrees that have to be fulfilled in order for a man to "prosper" in whatever he is doing. David's charge to Solomon was passing on what the Lord had charged him with. Individual responsibility and the benefits that follow are based on the condition of obedience to the commands of the Lord.
Walking in truth with "all" one's heart and soul is not a casual adherence to what we know is right. It is an enthusiastic acceptance of all it means to follow our Lord. In David's charge, Solomon was to be sure that God was at the center of his own personal life as well as the final authority in his role as king. David's line of kingship would go on and was fulfilled when our Lord Jesus Christ was born. "Of His kingdom there shall be no end."
Those who would follow David's line would reign as kings as long as they obeyed God. David had done this and was passing on to Solomon the things he had learned about his relationship with the Lord. Later the kings turned away from the covenant and the nation was exiled. But God is going to keep His promises to Abraham and David through the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are those who are willing to do anything to gain advantage over others, and in order to reach and keep that goal they are ruthless. They intend to get their own way and when they get where they want to be they will do almost anything to maintain that position. Joab wanted power and was willing to murder innocent people to protect the position he had and what he felt he accomplished. He assassinated Abner and Amasa.
He killed Absalom in spite of David's command to spare his son. Then he joined the conspiracy of Adonijah no doubt in view of holding his place under the reign of the new administration. He had no real concern for the will of the Lord or of David, but rather wanted to retain his own place of leadership as head of the army. Treachery begets treachery as Joab was soon to find out.
Barzillai on the other hand, had supported David and supplied him with needed goods during the rebellion of Absalom. Loyalty to the Lord and a willingness to serve and live in God's way are rewarded. Barzillai did not want honor for himself but wanted his son, Kimham to be one favored by the king. Self-serving does not suit well a person who has been called to be a servant of the Lord. To such a person, kindness can be shown and it will not go to his head. Shimei learned that when a person curses one who belongs to God, he is opposing God and will ultimately lose. Payday comes sooner or later in response to every act we commit.
David's advice to Solomon to deal severely and completely with the enemies within his own gate, was to take control of, and establish his throne. The advice he gave was legal and would secure his position against those who would potentially rise up against him. David's death concluded a life of good example and bad; of great victories and failures. We learn from him that sin has awful consequences, but when repentance is genuine forgiveness is assured.
Confession of sin from the heart is no light matter. God knows when it is real. He does not hold back forgiveness of sin, even though He knows we may sin again perhaps in another way. We learn from our own mistakes, and hopefully, from the mistakes of others. Consequences have to be faced when confession is not genuine, and forgiveness does not necessarily remove all the consequences of sin
1Kings 2:2. "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore , and shew thyself a man;”
FINAL WORDS. We all remember people from back in our past Whose final words seem to be the ones that last When they leave to go the way of all the earth Those words in our memories are of special worth.
I wonder if at life’s end, God gives unique wisdom He seems to at times want to significantly use them To give us some glimpses into what is ahead And in that way remove separation’s dread.
Many I once knew are now at home with the Lord Some have summed up their lives in simple final words With wisdom that comes through life’s experiences They can sum it all up with a few short sentences.
I don’t know whether they have planned what those final words will be Or if they knew how it would affect others like it affected me Perhaps God has prepared them and put into their hearts Final impacting words to give just before they depart.
By taking in truths and seeing things through God’s view It may be that I can get from him a personal preview Of what would be suitable and final words I can say To leave with those near me while I’m slipping away.
“I remember the words of my father, O God, as we spent a final time together. When George was called home, the final words he said seemed to have some real significance to him. We have responded in various ways to these words. The final words of the Lord before He left, have changed the lives and destinies of millions. Please keep me from saying anything foolish when that time comes. Perhaps You would prepare me to say something meaningful. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
1 Kings 2:2. “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God… that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:”
DO WHAT’S RIGHT – NOW! It is not always easy to do what needs to be done; Because the people you are dealing with don’t care. But understand this, not many people under the sun, Can come alongside and your full burden bear.
Act before God when the decisions are hard. It is not wise to put serious things off. Just be sure you are right and clear before God, So, His blessings you are able to have.
The problem with men who live for themselves, Is, they are not really aware of their God; They will compromise truth, and nearly sell their souls If they think this will get them ahead.
Solomon acted, although the task was severe. There was no way to pass these serious sins by. Not all of God’s people realize He always can hear, And divisions are grave in His eyes.
To be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, Will lead us over some roads that are rocky. Step up like a man, and take charge, lest there’s strife, That will damage God’s work very badly.
Grace doesn’t mean that I should ever sell truth, Just to stay friends with the folks in the world. I will have to stand up and make plain that the worth Of things done must be backed by His Word.
“O Righteous God: when I sense there are issues that need to be dealt with and the personal cost will be great, give me the wisdom to act quickly and wisely. I think I know myself well enough that I would make serious mistakes without the positive assurance of Thy guidance. I am Thy servant. Do what is necessary to keep me in the current of Thy thoughts. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”