Passage Read: 1 Kings 2-5
Meditation Verses: 2:3-4
Thought
David's charge to Solomon is first that he walk in obedience to all the Law of God, so that he can enjoy the favor of God and prosper in all he does and wherever he goes. But also, David is unashamed to tell Solomon that his obedience to God is key to David receiving God's promise to never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel. David is going the way of all the earth, but he wants to receive that promise from God! He won't be around to enjoy it, but he does care. So perhaps he will be more aware of what's going on here than we realize; for sure, one day he will know what happened.
Application
Is David being selfish? Is he selfishly concerned about his dynasty and legacy? If that's all there is, is that a good and acceptable thing before God? If he receives his wish, then God will have had countless kings who loved Him with all their heart and soul. That is a great thing! If David gets his wish, his sons would have walked faithfully with God and enjoyed His favor and blessing and salvation. That's a noble thing! If David got his wish, then generation after generation of Israelites would have known and loved and honored the Lord and enjoyed His favor and blessing; they would have been the head of all nations, exalted by God above all. That's an honorable desire! And David would be able to look back over all his sons did and glory in their obedience and blessing and the good they brought to the people David loved and the honor they brought to the God he adored. Indeed, in the end it would be God who was wholly glorified! On the surface, David's request and desire is selfish, but actually, it is the most loving thing he can ask of his son. I need to not be embarrassed to ask the same of my sons and of everyone I teach.