My dad is a pastor whose name a lot of people know.
Not just my church growing up but countless homeschool conferences, Baptist churches, and miscellaneous people on the internet know his name. One of the main things my dad preached about back in the day was how to raise godly children. So, when I stand before some people, they don’t see me—they see my dad. To some of them, I am not a fully formed person with my own relationship with God and day-to-day priorities; I am a walking billboard for all their hopes of raising perfect children.
No pressure, right?
But my dad is “just” a pastor and itinerate preacher.
What if he was—I don’t know—the king of Israel?
When Solomon took the throne, he had big shoes to fill. Everyone looked to him to rule as well as his father had. Asaph wrote of David, “He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72).
Jesus was born ten centuries after David and was known as the Son of David. No pressure, right?
Shortly after Solomon became king, the Lord told him to ask for anything. Anything at all.
He did not ask for his name to overtake David’s so much that the coming Messiah and Savior of the world would be called “Son of Solomon.” He didn’t ask for a permanent place outside his father’s shadow. He didn’t ask for fame, riches, or glory.
Instead, he acknowledged that David was a great ruler because of God’s kindness. He asked that God bring about all the things he promised David under his own rule. He confirmed that God was already fulfilling his promise to Abraham by making the Israelites as numerous as the dust of the earth. And he prayed for wisdom to continue to shepherd God’s people well (2Chronicles 1:8–10).
Solomon understood that the throne was bigger than his name or even David’s name: it represented the name above all names. Is it possible he understood that no matter how far his father’s shadow was cast, it was still minuscule compared to the shadow cast by an almighty God?
David had a heart for many things—one of which was to build a temple for this almighty God. He died without ever seeing this dream realized. When Solomon took up the mantle, though, he wasn’t building the temple for David’s glory, or to live up to David before him, or even to revel in having accomplished something that his father never did.
He was building the temple because he understood that the legacy he was walking in was so much bigger than King David’s.
And whether people see you coming first or your parents or your older siblings, know that even if their sight is limited, yours need not be. Ask for wisdom to see beyond the temporal, to the eternal legacy you’re a part of. It’s so much more.
I love that I am part of a bigger legacy than my mind can comprehend. I am being woven into God’s plan and design. I pray I would trust his leading, instead of getting worried about the details.
Happy Friday everyone! I don’t post much, but I love reading through everyone’s comments and praying through each of the requests. I hope you all have a great weekend!
The death of King David was mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:26-30. Such a blessed legacy he left his son Solomon.
Good afternoon ladies! I took off work today to get some car stuff done and also just to have a rest day. Haven’t heard back yet about the other job position I applied for, but I am praying God’s will to be done and staying hopeful. I also am going on a second date on Sunday with the same guy I’ve been getting to know more! We talked via video again yesterday and it was really great, he is very easy to talk to. I am so interested to hear more of his story of how he became a Christian, since he grew up in a non-Christian country. His testimony sounds really awesome from what I’ve heard so far, and he seems very rooted in Christ. I’m excited! Praying for you all.
@Taylor, praying the transition gets easier as time goes on and that you have a restful weekend.
@Kimberly Z, praying for safe travels back and that the seasonal depression wouldn’t hit hard…hopefully spring will brighten your spirit!
I can relate to Jasmine, my father was well known in the Greater Kansas City Disciples of Christ Community. After my divorce I took my maiden name back and now when I tell people in that Community my full name they say “Are you George’s daughter?” To which I reply yes.
The Scripture that really caught my eye was “But who can really build Him a worthy home? Not even the highest heavens can contain Him! So who am I to consider building a Temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to Him?” (2 Chronicles 2:6). When we think about it Our Lord God is to ALMIGHTY AND GRAND to be contained.
Be blessed and worship God wherever and whenever you can sisters.
Every time I read this passage I am amazed at Solomon’s response to God. He first reflects on the kindness that was shown to his father David and on God’s decision in placing him on the throne after David. Also he recognized that this “great people” belonged to God and not to himself, he was just the “steward” over them. And then, he humbly asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he could lead his people well. Out of every thing and anything he could ask for, he asked for that. Wow! Such humility. He already was wise, although he didn’t know it, in asking for wisdom instead of riches and honor. He knew in and of himself he could not do this great task… Oh that I would know to ask for wisdom instead of trying to do things on my own. In every circumstance and situation I need the Lord to guide me and teach me. In and of myself, I can do nothing, it is only when we remain in Christ and Him in us are we able to accomplish anything. John 15:5
A Blessed Friday to all my SRT sisters! Have a great weekend – may each of us walk in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit as we go our ways.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7. What a great reminder! Love your comment @Rhonda J. About how can’t do it on our own but must seek his will. I struggle with that but work endlessly every day to do it. It’s my last fully say in Mexico and it has been so fun but I am still
So sad to go home to the snow. Seasonal depression is real for me so I’m hoping the sun comes out! Praying for all you ladies.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7. What a great reminder! Love your comment @Rhonda J. About how can’t do it on our own but must seek his will. I struggle with that but work endlessly every day to do it. It’s my last fully say in Mexico and it has been so fun but I am still