SCRIPTURE
David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations." Therefore, David made extensive preparations before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:5)
OBSERVATION
It was in David's heart to build the temple. However, because of all the blood he shed during his reign, he was not the one to build it. That honor would go to his son Solomon. Once he understood that, he didn't sit back and relax, waiting for the day Solomon would begin construction. He did just the opposite. He made extensive preparations.
He organized the laborers and the supplies. The Bible says he took "great pains" to provide for the temple. As a father, he made sure his son would succeed. It's important to note the nature of this success was spiritual. He was working on the temple, the place under the Old Covenant where God would dwell. David was not wanting Solomon to build a great empire for himself but to build something of eternal significance.
APPLICATION
I'm inspired by David's pains. As a father, I am to make sure my son succeeds. I am to equip Josiah with the means and tools necessary so he can continue a godly legacy. My job is to prepare him the best way that I can not to just live without me but to live beyond me. I am to make sure he succeeds spiritually, continuing to to a great work in the kingdom. In the end it doesn't matter if he's the brightest in his class, excels in sports, or amasses a fortune in his lifetime. What matters is that he does something for God. I can play a part in his future by preparing him in the present.
PRAYER
Lord, you've challenged me to leave a godly legacy for Josiah. To take the "great pains" necessary so he can succeed in his work for you.
