SUNDAY 4 December, 2016
A Lasting Legacy
So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established. - 1 Kings 2:10-12
David, declined in strength as his death drew near––his servants saw his weakness and requested a young maiden to tend to his needs:
So they sought for a lovely young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The young woman was very lovely; and she cared for the king, and served him…(1 Kings 1:3-4).
David, during this time, administratively set the kingdom in order for his heir––Solomon. Then David, a man after God’s own heart, the beloved king to the nation of Israel––died. He was buried in the City of David––Jerusalem. David, from his famed youth to his old age, left a lasting legacy in history as one of the greatest Biblical heroes that ever lived.
Imagine, God exalted a shepherd boy, zealous for His name, to take down the giant Goliath. War, hardship and persecution shaped his character to become the next King of Israel. He became an incredible warrior––a man of blood. His great downfall was his adultery with Bathsheba. His sin tarnished his good reputation and separated him from his God, until he repented. Yet, God’s goodness and mercy became the silver lining to the constant storms of life he endured (Psalm 23:6).
David left a lasting legacy during the forty years he reigned. He would always be remembered as ‘The Sweet Psalmist of Israel’. What will be your life’s lasting legacy––what will people remember you for?
…King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lordforever.
~1 Kings 2:45~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!