Walk Like a Man

Scripture: I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. 1 Kings 2:2-3

Observation: David's final instructions to Solomon begin with this. While later they include very specific instructions about how to treat a couple key individuals, David begins by telling Solomon to obey the Lord. He is to keep his statutes and commandments, obey his judgments and decisions, the to know the Lord's testimony and stories of greatness. Solomon is to know the information as written in the Torah.

In doing this there are actually two outcomes, on stated before the instructions and the other after the instructions. The second outcome is that Solomon will prosper at the hand of God. The first outcome is that Solomon prove himself to be a strong man.

Obedience to the Lord requires a true strength. The ways of the world often seem easier, especially given the pressure of others who encourage other behaviors, decisions, language, and thoughts. David had been tempted - and sometimes succumbed to - the ways of the world. He knows Solomon will stumble, but is encouraging him not to fall. By knowing and following God's laws, Solomon can then obey and in this manner prove himself.

Application: Of all the ways our society today describes a "manly man", obedience to the Lord is never on the list. Yet it is probably the only legitimate proof of manhood.

How will I prove my manhood today? This week? Over the next few decades? Will I do it with success at work, or bold speaking, or by leading others for glorious purpose? Or will I do it by praying publicly, or worshiping boldly, or telling others of Jesus? Will I defeat other strong people, or love the least of these around me?

I am going to start by caring about the fear in our land today, and not by mocking that fear or thinking less of the fearful, but by encouraging and aiding those in fear as they will allow. This is the charge of the Lord my God today. I will walk in his ways.

Prayer: Lord, the God of Israel, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, of David, and of all creation, you are the Lord my God. As a man, I will obey you and your statutes, commandments, and precepts. I will love you, and I will love others. Amen.