The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Tuesday
June 17, 2008
As the time of King David's death approached, he gave this charge to his son
Solomon: "I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and
be a man. Observe the requirements of the LORD your God and
follow all his ways. Keep each of the laws, commands, regulations, and
stipulations written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all
you do and wherever you go. If you do this, then the LORD
will keep the promise he made to me: 'If your descendants live as they should
and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always
sit on the throne of Israel.'"
1 Kings 2:1-4
Most of us would like the opportunity to tell our loved ones a few things before we "pass on" to the next life; things we truly believe will help them live a better life in this world after we are gone. After all, as Matthew Henry writes, "Death is a way; not only a period of this life, but a passage to a better."
David wrote so beautifully in his song, Psalm 23:
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me
rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my
strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his
name.
Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be
afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect
and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my
enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup
overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue
me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
David knew the next step in his life was to go all the way with his Lord ¾ to His house, and therefore gives Solomon directions what to do with the remainder of his life.
In the scripture following today's reference, David, upon his death-bed, was remembering the injuries that had been done, he also remembered the kindnesses that had been shown him. As a result, he leaves it as a charge upon his son to return pay back — for both. Matthew Henry writes, "Note, the kindnesses we have received from our friends must not be buried either in their graves or ours, but our children must return them to theirs." I don't think he is saying that we should return "tit for tat," but that we need to deal spiritually with any issues that are outstanding in our family so that they are not simply buried or covered over. I totally agree; especially in light of the week we had last week with Roger having quadruple by-pass surgery...it really makes one stop and think.
Father, help us all look forward to coming to be with You, and keep our slates cleared.
