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111Ki002.mp3
Commentary
1 Kings 2
When David made an oath, he kept it, even if to his own hurt. There were some cases when his promise had come to grief later in his time, but he kept his oath, even still. The Lord honored this about David and protected him in these times. David was to keep his honor and his word of integrity. From birth to death, David was a man of character. He walked after the will of God and he brought glory to God continually. There were times when David was not Godly. Those times were deliberate and demonstrated abuse of power and authority. David was not a perfect man all of the time.
When David recognized the error of his way, he immediately repented. Notice that he did not simply say, "I'm sorry, Lord". David had a broken and contrite heart. David perceived the consequence, endured it to the full, and still loved and served God with confidence and with his whole heart. David did not let his heart grow faint. He lifted his head and he reigned with confidence. And he acknowledged God in all of his endeavors. For this, God was to direct his path.
When Solomon had come to reign, David blessed him and passed over to him both the authority AND the responsibility of ruler-ship. Solomon must bear the responsibilities of the kingdom now, both the good and the bad. He must avenge his father, where David could not. Absalom and Adonijah tried to take the thrown while David lived. Neither of them were appointed to it. Both knew that their actions were worthy of death. David did not raise his hand against either one of them. In fact, he fled from Absalom, but not because he feared his son. David fled because he didn't want any harm to come to Absalom.
In verses 3 and 4, David gives the promise and requirements of the Lord to Solomon. God will be with him, to show him victory and success. God's grace will not depart from Solomon. This is the God we have a relationship with. This is the God that we put aside from our minds when we go off to work each day, to tend to our own affairs. What about the kingdom? I understand that this passage was written a long time ago, but it is not for that time only. It is for now. We need to tend to the business of the kingdom in all that we do. We need to bless because we are blessed. We need to illuminate the light of God in all that we do. At work, school, or wherever you are everyday. People should know that you are a Christian and that you take it seriously. You can still have favor with them, especially if the love of God radiates from within you, instead of reflecting off of you.
We are the royalty of God's kingdom. He has set us on high. We should be regal. We should be operating in the overflow. We should be sharing the abundance of His provision. We should not have lack. But we do. Until it is made right in your life, I want you to learn to live as if it already is. Even if you had millions of dollars, it is not okay to go shopping just because you want to, all the time. This is not being faithful over the little things. Be responsible, be faithful. Just do the best that you can until the pressure is really on. Then, bear down and with your every ounce of strength and determination, push ever onward. This is the commitment He seeks. He will make that burden easy for you. He will yoke with you and it will be light.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 - 6:15 AM
