I Kings 1:1
“Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with garments, but he could not keep warm.”
The greatest king in Israel's history has entered the winter of life. We saw hints of this at the end of 2 Samuel. He was in battle and got exhausted. Others had to come to his aid and rescue him. Those warriors told him he was no longer to join them in battle.
We all go through different phases in life. I John 2:14 says, "I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." These are two obvious phases, young men and fathers. The young men are strong, full of vigor and are engaged in warfare. The fathers have walked with God for a life time and they know God.
David had a famous "young man" phase. He was pulled out of the shepherds field and anointed king; he conquered Goliath, he led king Saul's armies, Jonathon and others were great friends and warriors, he had his mighty men who were famous in battle, all the weary and discontent fled to him, he finally was made king, then king over Judah and Israel and so on.
I can recall the young days. Mark, Brad and I at Santa Ana college and the christian club. Our advisor Gary asked Mark and I to lead the high school ministry and the college ministry respectively. I recall the Undercover Band and street witnessing. Then came bible school and being the assistant pastor at New Covenant Church. Gordon's wonderful influence on me and so on.
I am deep into the father stage. I am grateful to have known God. I rarely wrestle with condemnation like in the young days. I see Him everywhere. A verse of an old hymn goes like this, "Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen: Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine."
David is no longer a functioning king. His advisors are running the country. Today's verse is showing the readers that a new king will be chosen. God has been good through all the phases. Thank You, Lord.