Cover to Cover

Reading: 1 Chronicles 22:2-26:19

Focus: 1 Chronicles 22:11-13

One of the greatest things that a parent can do for their children is to exhort them and bless them in all they set out to do. If there is anything that children will treasure in the years to come, it will be the times when they were loved, supported, uplifted, encouraged and exhorted. Nothing stops you in your tracks, nothing more precious than the memory of the times when your parents gave you their time, attention, and invested into your life.

As David handed over his throne to his son, Solomon, he commissioned him to build the Temple and advised him in what would be required. However, in the midst of this, David exhorted and encouraged Solomon in his new season of life. He blessed Solomon that God would be with him in his pursuits, that God would give him wisdom and exhorted him to keep God’s law. His final words recall the exhortation given to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Parents, leaders, elders, people play a significant part in the lives of those younger than them have a powerful voice to invest in other’s lives. Here in David, we have a positive example, but the opposite is true also. While the most precious memories are the ones where love is displayed, the most painful memories are, consequently, the ones where love is not displayed. People in these positions have a great deal of influence, they have a voice which can either build up, break down; to encourage, exhort, discipline, rebuke, rather than discourage, degrade, and scold. Make the most of every opportunity to invest in the lives of others.

Next Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:20-29:30