Psalms 140, 141, 143, 37, 1 Chronicles 22; Psalm 30; 1 Chronicles 23-26:19; Psalms 15, 24, 42 – 44

David accepted the will of God, even though he would not be the one to build the glorious temple that would eventually bears Solomon’s name. Understanding that we cannot live out the lives of other – note to parents – we can see in David a wonderful reminder of the role we play as teachers, mentors and parents in preparing others. Consider a mother bird whose young need time, nurturing and feeding. When it comes time to leave the nest, she must let them go and fly on their own. Mother eagles will even go so far as to take their children high up and drop them. Even so, she cannot fly for them.

Notice how David understood the limitations of what he could do and what he could not do for Solomon. The temple would indeed be glorious. Solomon was indeed young and inexperienced. But, God chose him for the task.

For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel.

1 Chronicles 22:5-6

 It seems like David did everything but built the temple. Even down to preparing iron needed for making nails and cutting stones that would be used for building. He prepared the country’s leaders to assist Solomon when the Later, David fully prepared the priests and Levites to assure they were ready for the day that would come soon enough. It’s an amazing lesson for us.

Solomon would pen thousands of proverbs, but he could read the psalms written by his father David. When God told Solomon to ask for anything and he asked for wisdom, I think we can see the handiwork of David’s preparation. We are not given the father-son talks that took place between them, but a man after God’s own heart would surely take to heart that father’s role in preparing our children for life in the LORD.

The same is true in the church. There comes a time when a babe in Christ needs to walk on his own. The mature Christians must nurture him in the Lord to help in every way possible before his first step. Teach him the ways of Jesus, and show him the ways of Jesus. Give him every resource needed to successfully walk. Hold his hands until the day comes when he takes his first step. Be there when he falls down. Tend to the scrapes and bruises. Then, walk by his side.

Like the mother bird, David nurtured, fed and prepared Solomon. He left him a legacy in the psalms. He prepared the country’s resources and infrastructure for a massive building project. He could not build the temple, though, that was for Solomon. David did not accept the news sullenly and quit, he set his heart to the preparation. David knew in his heart that while we cannot fly for others, we must prepare them to fly.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!