Pr. 4:3-4: “When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me:”
Others can teach and encourage our children. However, there are some things that only we can do.
David referred to Solomon tender more than once. When the Lord revealed to David that Solomon would build the temple, he said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparations for it.” So David made abundant preparations before his death.
He then called Solomon to him and charged him to build the house for the Lord. He reminded Solomon of what the Lord had told him, and to keep the law of the Lord. He reminded him that God would prosper him for being obedient. David then commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon.
Not only did David charge his son to do what he was called to do, but he made enormous preparations to make it possible for Solomon to do his work. Before the assembly of all the leaders of Jerusalem, David again said that Solomon was “young and inexperienced.” He called for all the leaders to contribute to the building of the temple. He let the leaders know exactly what the Lord had said to him concerning Solomon.
In their presence, he also told Solomon, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but it you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”
1 Ch. 29:24-25 says, “All the leaders and mighty men obeyed him, and also all the sons of King David submitted themselves to King Solomon. So the Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.”
The prayers and preparation of his father, David, set Solomon up for the job to which he was called. Taking seriously what God spoke over Solomon, David did not just encourage Solomon to fulfill his purpose, he charged him to do it, he made abundant preparations for it, he spoke it to the assembly of all leaders, and he called the leaders to assist his son. David’s actions spoke more loudly to his son than any words ever could.
We can encourage and speak life, but when we put our money, time, and preparations behind our words, we are making very clear what it is we truly believe. Others may be able to encourage your children, your family, or your friends, but there are some things that only you can do. What actions do you need to take today to teach that tender person in your life?
Preparing,
jamie
considering the word 