Famous Last Words
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Kings 2:1-46 and Psalm 78:32-55 (NIV)
(Matthew Peter, Prayer & Praise Pastoral Staff)
READ:
Reading 1 Kings 2, these are the verses that captured me.
- V2: “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,
- V3: and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,
- V4: that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Psalm 78
- V37: Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
- V38: Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.
OBSERVE:
King David gives his final thoughts on living on this earth to his son Solomon. Famous last words from his father and perhaps timely reminders as Solomon was coming into great inheritance, wealth, and prosperity. Taking the highest position in the kingdom was surely not an easy task.
APPLY:
Couple of years ago, my dad was headed in for an operation to remove a tumour in his kidney. As he hugged me before heading into the operating theatre, he whispered what could have been his final words to me, “take care of mom.” When they wheeled him away, I remember breaking down in one of the toilet stalls in Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Today, I remember his famous last words as if they were spoken to me, like it was yesterday. Coming out of Holy week, I hear the Messiah say one of His famous last words, “this is your mother.” As if to say take care of those I have placed near to you, those who may be weaker, love them and serve them.
As I read through what King David told his son, Solomon, I can imagine Solomon as a son taking every word to heart, remembering it and reflecting upon it.
I love how King David poured his heart out to his son. You can see the man after God’s own heart speaking of God’s faithfulness, promises and secrets to legacy, even in his final days.
DO:
I want to be able to observe what God requires of me. I want to walk in His ways and keep His laws and commands. I want to be able to tell the generations of the God I serve. I know I am unable by my own strength and although I may stumble all too often, my God remains faithful and merciful. He sustains me and His anger is restrained.
PRAY:
Merciful Father, sovereign and righteous are Your ways. Teach me this day to observe all that You require of me, that I may be mindful to walk in them daily. Keep me near the cross that when I fall or stumble, I will remember to return to You. Teach me to be mindful of those You have placed around me, those who may be struggling and in need. Help me to be a blessing to all around me. I thank You that You have promised that You will return again and bring us all into glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
