Day 138, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 1:1-2:12; Psalm 131; Psalm 25; Psalm72; 2Samuel 23:1-7; 1Chronicles 29:23-30
Ending Well
Some of us may have worked all our lives and invested in children, businesses, non-profit organizations, or other worthwhile things. How do we end well? Why should we worry about it?
Ending Well does not happen automatically; we must be faithful. And, sometimes, late in life, we still have to take steps to protect a legacy. We should not do this from selfish pride but for the good of future generations.
Deal with Sin
In today’s Bible reading, King David must protect his legacy late in his life. He is an old king, but the consequences of his past sins still plague him. David fights feelings of shame for his previous misdeeds. He says to God, “Remember not the sins of my youth” (Psalm 25, NIV).
Our sins, even when forgiven by God, can still trouble us. When we walk with God continually, the older we get, the more sin bothers us emotionally and spiritually. At the end of our days, we want to know we are right with God before we meet him. The good news is that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9, NIV).
The Danger of Negligence
Just before his death, King David has to put down a rebellion that threatens the kingdom. Although David chose Solomon to be the next king, he has not yet installed him on his throne. This hesitation allows an opportunity for another of David’s sons, Adonijah, to stage a coup to take the throne. Negligence regarding Absalom had caused trouble for David before, and now it is happening with another son (1Kings 1:6). Perhaps, Adonijah thinks his father is too old and feeble to stop him from reigning in his place.Eliminating the Threat
When the prophet Nathan informs King David of the coup, David puts the rebellion down right away by installing Solomon as king. Here are some lessons we might learn from this Biblical account.
- Fathers must discipline their children. If we do not discipline faithfully, that negligence can come back to hurt not only them but us.
- We may see threats to our home or organization by those who would be “king.” We cannot ignore them. We must deal promptly with them, and the earlier, the better. This lesson is true whether we are raising strong-willed children or dealing with overly ambitious leaders in an organization.
Unfinished Business
David tells Solomon to deal with some unfinished business. Here is what he asked his son to do:
- Joab, chief commander of David’s army, did not always follow the king’s will and was at times subversive. David wants Solomon to execute him.
- Barzillai of Gilead was kind to provide food for the king and his whole assembly when David had to leave Jerusalem. Barzillai is dead, so David wants Solomon to remember Barzillai’s sons with kindness.
- King David tells Solomon to have Shimei executed because David had promised not to put him to death. The king had been unusually kind to Shimei. He forgave him for mocking and pelting the king and his soldiers with rocks when they left Jerusalem. Shimei had not changed; he was still a troublemaker.
Like David advises Solomon, we should eliminate (if possible), reduce, or at least control threats to our family or other organizations, and we should do it right away. If we deal justly with threats (not to say we should kill someone), we will help secure safety and prosperity for their future.
The last act of David, the righteous king of Israel, was to encourage his son Solomon. He told him to be a strong man of God, to obey the LORD in everything written in his law so that he will prosper and extend his kingdom to future generations (1 King 2:1-4, NIV). Then David composes a prayer for Solomon (more…). In it, David encourages him to walk with integrity before God and act with justice. He wants his son to succeed!What about us? Do we encourage children, so they will have a better chance of succeeding in life, enjoying God’s blessings?
King David, the brave warrior who wholeheartedly served God, leaves us with his last words:
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.
Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?” (in 2Samuel 23:3-5, NIV)
For ourselves and the next generation—let us End Well!
Focus Verse
1Kings 2:2b-3 (NIV)
“So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”
Discussion
What are some things we may have to deal with to End Well?How can we safeguard the next generation?
Why is it essential to encourage the younger generation in godliness?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Solomon is the king in Israel. Find out what he does in his New Leadership position to begin with success. This is our Next Lesson.
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