When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. So, Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established. (1 Kings 2:1-3, 10-12, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Solomon was the son that God gave David and Bathsheba, after the child they conceived in sin had died. “Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him.” (2 Samuel 12:24, NIV 1984). He was not David’s first, or even second born son, but he was the one David (and God) chose to succeed him as king.
David would be a tough act to follow. “For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.” (1 Kings 15:5, NIV 1984). The “case of Uriah the Hittite,” of course, included taking his wife Bathsheba, and arranging for his death. His sins were forgiven, but he bore the consequences for the rest of his life.
My Advice – “Not failed…except.” The proverbial “asterisk.” It only takes one except to disqualify. “‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ‘You know the commandments.’ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy.’ ‘One thing you lack.’ He went away sad.” (Mark 10:17, 19-22, NIV 1984). This is the essence of the exchange Jesus had with the rich young ruler.
His disciples were incredulous. “Who then can be saved?” (Mark 10:26, NIV 1984). A fair question given that they had “left everything to follow [Him].” (Matthew 19:27, NIV 1984). Not to worry. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” (Mark 10:27, NIV 1984).
“But not with God.” The “but” that overrules the “except.“ “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners [still lacking], Christ died for us.” (Romas 5:8, NIV 1984). Of course, there is one “unless.” “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3, NIV 1984). “Born again.” That’s what makes the impossible possible. Believe the impossible.
The Brew Is A Musing 