SUMMARY: Kingdom secured
OVERVIEW: Before he dies, David blesses Solomon, telling him to obey God, follow God’s commands, and watch out for those who want to harm him.
BIG IDEA: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” —Jesus (Matthew 10:16)
KEY VERSE: 1 Kings 2:2–3 (David to 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 the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
To obey is better than sacrifice. Your obedience is what sets you apart from those who claim to love me; it authenticates our relationship. Put me first before tradition or ceremony. Those aren’t bad things—they are tools many people use for worship. But they can also lull you to sleep. Love me with your mind, as well as your heart and strength. Think about what you do and why, and let me be the filter through which you make decisions.
Show your love for me through your obedience. But do so with your eyes open. Not everyone follows me, even those who claim me and speak of me, and some may try to harm you. Be careful who you partner with in life. Don’t look for perfect people—they don’t exist. But do seek those whose hearts are soft and moldable. Time is an excellent tool for evaluation, and so is prayer. Talk to me and listen to my response. I may not reply with audible words but look and listen. I am alive and active, and I will lead you.
NEXT STEP
Be a person of integrity, but be slow to make commitments with others. Take time to evaluate who they are and if they can be trustworthy. Don’t cut corners to save time or because it’s easier. Patiently do what’s right, seek God’s wisdom, and ask others for their insight.
LYRIC VIDEO