PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
May
17

A Daily Example

Tim Savage

Scripture
2As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: 2“I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. 3Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. 1 Kings 2
Observation
The final season of King David’s reign give us important lessons in leadership in our families and our ministries. In yesterday’s passage we read that David didn’t discipline his son, Adonijah, at all. Even to the extreme of not questioning him when he acted inappropriately. No doubt, David was busy ruling over Israel, but he was so busy he didn’t fulfill his responsibility as a father, and ultimately, ruler of the country. Adonijah’s behavior and actions tragically affected all of Israel and many leaders were killed. Here in 1 Kings 2 David is passing leadership on to Solomon and he gives him critical instruction for his future. While this direction is important, I can’t help but think it was too little, too late. David’s family life was in shambles as a consequence of personal failures and sin. Yes, he did set up Solomon well in the last days of his life with instruction and resources, but he should have modeled godly living and decision-making to his sons throughout his life.
Application
The reminder for me today is that leading a family and a ministry is a daily discipline where more is caught, than taught. My kids and those that I serve with will become ‘who I am every day,’ rather than just ‘what I teach or lecture.’ Even Solomon, who started his reign so incredibly well, finished poorly – maybe a further result of David’s weaknesses. My life must be an example to those around me, and while I must teach, with words, godly lessons, more importantly, I must live out daily those lessons because my actions will be much louder than words.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive me when I fail you. Help me to apply the lessons from David’s life so that I may be a better father, husband, servant and leader. Guide me toward Your holiness and away from the temptations of the world. In Jesus name, amen

Devotions for May 17

1 Kings 2
1 Chronicles 29
Psalms 95
2 Thessalonians 1

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