First Kings
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Be a Man!
(I Kings 2:1-4)
History attaches great importance to the last words of a man. Some men utter significant statements as they slip into eternity. D.L. Moody, for example, is said to have proclaimed, “Heaven is opening and God is calling me!” Others, sadly, have screamed in terror, flailing their arms to avert a burning sensation. Some record their final words in a document or set of instructions. Often, those who have built large personal empires leave detailed instructions as to how their survivors should carry on after their demise. David, Israel’s greatest king, left such instructions to his son Solomon; and they’re recorded in the Bible.
Notice David’s immediate command to Solomon: “Be thou strong…and show thyself a man” (2). David wasn’t concerned that Solomon might show too much emotion at the funeral. Rather, David was concerned with Solomon’s conduct as king. In the verses that follow, David gives specific instruction emphasizing the spiritual principles of godly leadership. David, therefore, defined manliness in spiritual and theological terms.
Manliness, David insists, is essentialy obedience. He told Solomon to “keep the charge of the Lord thy God” (3). In other words, Solomon was to know and obey God’s commands. Leaders, David had painfully learned, are not above the law of God. In fact, the consequences of disobedience for kings were far more severe than those for common people. Above all, Solomon was to consider God’s commands and follow them to the best of his ability. Such obedience demonstrates manliness unmatched by any arm wrestling competition.
On Solomon’s obedience hinged the continuity of the Davidic throne (4). God would keep His promise to David regarding a perpetual throne; but a physically reigning occupant depended upon obedience. The great test of Solomon’s reign would be his dedication to God’s Word. May we understand the same test of manliness is ours today!
