PASSING ON LOVING OBEDIENCE

PASSING ON LOVING OBEDIENCE

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.  “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ —I Kings 2:1-4

 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David. —I Kings 3:3

And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. —I Kings 3:14-15

            And so, it is true today— “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21).  This loving obedience needs to be passed down to disciples after us—

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” —II Timothy 2:1-7

            They need to be encouraged to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” so they will be faithful soldiers, athletes and farmers. “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”  So, who are we encouraging like this so that when we leave for glory, they will continue on making disciples that in turn will do so right to the “end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).  Oh, Lord God Almighty, Creator of all, please give me wisdom to encourage faithful men to teach others in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, may this be so to honor You.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLDEt9KP2O0