Get to know my God
David is turning over the reins (and the reign) to his son, Solomon. David will soon die. For all intents and purposes, his life and mission in life are both coming to an end.
What does he discuss with Solomon? What wisdom does he impart? This text is a great text for a king’s ordination service or for you to impart your final words of instruction to your children. What is David’s admonition? It can be summarized in five words, “Get to know my God.”
David says,
“Know Him. Know the God that I know. This God is the God of your father. He has been tested and proven throughout my life. He’s brought me through valley after valley. There is no one like my Shepherd. My songs (called Psalms) reflect my time with my God. We’ve enjoyed a personal relationship. I want it to be a personal relationship for you, too. So take the time to know Him.
“Serve Him. Your purpose in life is not to serve yourself or even serve the people. As King, you will be in position to be served by so many. If you’re not careful, you may become pompous and see yourself as the King. But you are not. You must acknowledge God as the King and you as His prince. Israel will still belong to Him after you follow me into the dust of the grave. Therefore, make Him your King and submit yourself before Him.
“Whole heart. Not half-hearted. Not a divided heart either. But a whole heart. Give Him your best, give Him your everything. “Bless the Lord, ALL of my soul and heart and being. Praise His name!”
“Willing mind. It will be easy for you, my son, to think you know it all because you’re incredibly smart. But you’re not smart enough. You need help. More help than you now know. Make your mind willing to listen to our God. Force your mind to be open to His direction. Don’t allow your strong will to go a separate direction. Concentrate your thoughts on Him. Acknowledge Him IN YOUR MIND as being wiser and smarter than you. Come before Him and say, ‘Teach me.’ Be teachable and you will be taught.”
So the old man David gives wise counsel to his own son. May we do the same for those we love.
1 Chronicles 28:9
“And you, Solomon my son, obey[a] the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit,[b] for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him,[c] but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently.
Tom Swartzwelder
Sep 4, 2024 – On September 3, 2024, Tom Swartzwelder completed the race that God had set before him. He is now with Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith.’
Hebrews 12:1-2A
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ at http://www.godsgreenhouse.net. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”
Let us kindly listen to Tom. How do we start following Jesus? “He saved us . . . by the renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). How do we keep following Jesus? “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Everyone needs renewal. It’s a gift God loves to give.