David’s final days are upon him and he gives this final exhortation. Note: we do not need to wait until the end is upon us to share this type of exhortation with our children.  Fathers should be regularly exhorting their own children to  in a manner worthy of God. 

So far, David has exhorted his son to 1. Be strong; 2. Be courageous; and 3. Observe God’s Law. He continues….. : 

I Kings 2:2,3

“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. 

David’s exhortation to his son now moves to action steps. He tells Solomon what he wants to do: “Walk in obedience to God, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses”.

It is not enough for Solomon to hear and read and know God’s Law, he must then obey God’s Law! Solomon grew up in a home and culture that continually affirmed the Law of Moses, but not everyone obeyed it. Jesus referenced this type of behavior in the Sermon on the Mount. There were many people who heard His teaching, but only some would actually put them into practice. The difference was building on sand vs building on the rock. 

It is the same now, especially for those who grow up in a Christian home and in a good church. We are continually exposed to God’s Word – but each of us must make our own decision to both observe and to obey God’s Law. We must not just Listen to tyhe Word of God but actually do what it says (James 1:22)

Question to Consider: What is one area of my life where I need to apply God’s Word?

Prayer.

Father God, give me grace today to be a man who is truly a doer of your Word and not just one who hears it and moves on to the next thing. Help me model this first time obedience to my own children. In Jesus Name, AMEN

“Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”