Calendar Date: May 18
Day of the Year: 138
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 1:1-2:12; Psalm 131; Psalm 25; Psalm 72; 2Samuel 23:1-7; 1Chronicles 29:23-30
5 Things We Can Do to | End Well
Many of us have spent years investing in children, businesses, non-profit organizations, or other worthy causes. How do we end well? Why should we worry about it?
Ending well doesn't happen automatically; we must be faithful. However, some people and circumstances can threaten our legacy. So, how do we end well? King David faced this situation, and if we follow his example, it will help us. Here are five things he did to end well.
1. Deal with Sin
In today’s Bible reading, King David must protect his legacy late in life. He’s 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. The longer we walk with God, the more sin bothers us emotionally and spiritually. At the end of our days, we want to know we are right with the Lord 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” (1 John 1:9, NIV).
Is dealing with sin sufficient for us to end well? Not always. We must be vigilent
2. Beware of Negligence
Just before his death, King David must put down a rebellion that threatens the kingdom. Although David chose Solomon to be the next king, he’s 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 caused trouble for David before, and now it’s happening with another son (1 Kings 1:6). Perhaps, Adonijah thinks his father is too old and feeble to stop him from reigning in his place. What did David need to do?
3. Eliminate Threats
When the prophet Nathan informs King David of the coup, David puts the rebellion down right away by installing Solomon as king.
We may see threats to our home or organization by those who would be “king,” so we mustn't ignore them. We should address them, and the sooner, the better. This lesson is true whether we’re raising strong-willed children or dealing with overly ambitious leaders in an organization.
What else did David do to protect his legacy?
4. Don’t Leave Unfinished Business
David tells Solomon to execute or show kindness to influential people in his realm. Why? What happened?
- Joab, chief commander of David’s army, didn't always follow the king’s will and was subversive. David wants Solomon to execute him.
- Barzillai of Gilead provided food for the king and his whole assembly when David left Jerusalem. Barzillai’s dead, so David wants Solomon to remember Barzillai’s sons with kindness.
- David told Solomon to have Shimei executed because David had promised not to put him to death. The king had been very kind to Shimei. He forgave him for mocking and pelting the king and his soldiers with rocks when they left Jerusalem. Shimei hadn't changed; he was still a troublemaker.
Like David advises Solomon, we should eliminate, 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.
5. Encourage the Next Generation
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. If he did that, he would prosper and extend his kingdom to future generations (1 King 2:1-4, NIV). Then David composes a prayer for Solomon (Psalm 72). 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 2 Samuel 23:3-5, NIV)
For ourselves and the next generation—let’s end well!
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 me, Rod (the author)
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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