“’I’m 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 of you.’” I Kings 2:2 NIV
We have spent the last two weeks contemplating the advice King David, a man after God’s own heart, imparted to his son Solomon, the man who would be the wisest man in all history. This week we will conclude this study with an unpacking of his last command, to observe what the Lord your God requires of you.
What does God require of us? Why did David include that phrasing in his instructions to his son?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet, thanks to Dave Quinn of passionaustralia.org:
Fear God (Deep respect and reverence for Him.) Deuteronomy 10:12
Live in a way that pleases Him. Deuteronomy 10:12
Love Him. Deuteronomy 10:12
Serve Him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12
Always obey His commands and decrees. Deuteronomy 10:13
Act justly in all you do. Micah 6:8
Walk humbly with God. Micah 6:8
Seek and work for mercy. Micah 6:8
Love God with all of your heart. Luke 10:27
Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
Set your mind on heavenly things. Colossians 3:1
Put off your old worldly nature. Colossians 3:5
Clothe yourself with your new heavenly nature. Colossians 3:12
Be Christ’s representative in this world. Colossians 3:17
Trust God with all of your heart. Proverbs 3:5
Lean on His wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:6
Stay strong in your faith. Hebrews 10:23
Encourage others to do good. Hebrews 10:24
Keep meeting with other believers. Hebrews 10:25
Encourage others as you wait for Christ’s return. Hebrews 10:25
Lead a quiet life. I Thessalonians 4:11
Mind your own business. I Thessalonians 4:12
Work and make your own living. I Thessalonians 4:12
Bring honor to Christ by the way you live. I Thessalonians 4:12
Enjoy your life and all of God’s blessings. Ecclesiastes 8:15
That’s quite a list! (And it is not exhaustive! And, some items have multiple references in the Bible. For our purposes today, only one reference was provided.)
King David knew from experience, it’s not about me. This life is not all about me hopes, my dreams, my desires. I am here to serve and love the Lord. He will bless me abundantly, but it’s not all about me. King David had a few hard-earned lessons in learning this truth. But obviously, he had learned it and wanted his son to know it right off. One of the toughest parts of parenting is watching your child make the same mistakes. David knew he would not get to see those mistakes, but wanted to spare his son the pain of not following God, and any subsequent consequences.
In the weeks to come, we’ll explore this list in greater detail. I also ask you, what would you add to the list? Why? Please share with us as we study and learn together.
Thanks for reading! Please return by Monday, July 27, for the next post.
Thanks for the mention Stephanie!