I Kings 2:10
“Then David lay down with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David.”
What a life David had. We met him as he shepherded his flock. He was around 18. Samuel visited David’s home upon God’s prompting for a new king. One of his many older impressive brothers were to be the choice, based on his father’s thoughts. But none were to be king. Samuel asked if there were any other sons. So David was called in and was told he was to be king.
Next we see David bringing lunch to his brothers and their superiors at the battle line. He hears the taunting by Goliath and accepts his challenge. Saul allows it and David defeats Goliath. What an entrance to the scene.
Next we see David acting as a military officer and gaining favor amongst the people. Saul hears their song, “Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands”. He gets suspicious of David. He imagines his ascendancy until he takes the throne. So, he decides to kill him. He spends about ten years attempting to do so. God delivers him on several occasions.
Many come and flock to David during this time. He’s a magnetic leader. I Samuel 22:2 says, “And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.” Among them were some mighty warriors.
Saul and Jonathon get killed in battle. After this David becomes king of Judah. Later he becomes the king of the remaining 11 tribes. He establishes his throne in Jerusalem. His total reign as king was for forty years.
He had several children with his wives. There didn’t appear to be much discipline among them and problems arose. David also had errors in judgment which caused the nation problems. All in all, he was a good king who loved God.
The era of David’s reign is over. The nation and much of the world admired Him. He penned many psalms which has brought much comfort over the millennia.
We all will pass away some day. What will the summation of our lives be? Will we be remembered fondly? In my forties, I contended with this. I attended a coworkers retirement party. He was a good man. It was a good exercise, but I compared myself to him. God comforted my heart and I let those feelings go. I realized God has given us different gifts. We are responsible for them.
A song from Casting Crowns also helped. It’s called Only Jesus. The chorus goes like this, “And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy. I don’t care if they remember me. Only Jesus. And I, I’ve only got one life to live, I’ll let every second point to Him. Only Jesus.”
My gifts are more quiet and one to one. Even as a teacher, I succeed more one to one. So, when I call on a student, I want them to see it between themselves and me. This sinks in about October. Students relax and appear to trust me. They realize I’m not seeking to embarrass them. When the year finishes, Our farewells are good. If my career ended when school got out, it feels like much has been accomplished.
Another part of life is our families. Did we love our spouses and children? We don’t need the world to acknowledge us, just them. If they’ve loved and respected us, it is enough.
We also have our ministry world. This looks very different for all of us. There is that which we give day to day. It’s nothing official. Have we loved our neighbors and those along the way? Were we a good friend? Then there is the volunteer aspect of ministry. Hopefully we were a blessing there.
Just as David passed away, so will we. God willing, we did well. I haven’t commented on God’s part. It’s the majority, but unseen to onlookers. Were we walking with God? Did we have our quiet times with Him? Did we cast our cares upon Him? The answers to these questions would be an indicator how happy we were. If our walk was close to Him, then there was much contentment.
Lord, thank You for Your Son and Your Spirit. Jesus’ great sacrifice made a way for us. Your Spirit empowered us and filled us. He guided our children in their ways. Thank You!