A Dying Father's Advice to His Son

A Dying Father's Advice to His Son
 
 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. 1 Kings 2:1-3

David ask Solomon, his son and future King, to do three things as he lay upon his deathbed.
1) "Be strong, show yourself a man." We need more fathers who will tell and show their children and especially their sons what it is to be strong, to prove that you are a man. In a world that is increasingly turn men into women and things even less. Where women are taught to be rebellious and dress like prostitutes it is so important that fathers teach their children to be what God created them to be.

2) "Keep the charge of the LORD thy God." David tells his son, to walk in his ways, keep his statutes, commandments, judgements and testimonies. If he would do this then in a very real way he would prosper in all he did and wherever he went. Fathers should be the chief spiritual teacher of their children. He should pray with them, lead in devotions and never miss an opportunity to point out God's hand in all the world around them. He should take them to church and be actively involved. When a child see this kind of father then they have a foundation upon which to build a good, moral, stable and "prosperous" life.

3) "Protect Your Heritage" David says if Solomon would do these things then God would continue to bless the family and the promise God made to David would be true for Solomon and all future generation. There was a time when upholding the family name and traditions was understood as the duty of every child. You would do nothing to bring shame to your family. Such times are gone along with the morals and ethics that once made great families and a great nation. Fathers it is imperative that your children understand they have a responsibility to uphold their heritage as your children, and as children of God. Traditions, history, morals and ethics that will bring God's blessings to them and to their children must never be taken for granted. If you would be a blessing to your future generations then teach your children to protect your family heritage.

Fathers you have a great and divine purpose. No matter what you may be in the worlds eyes, in God’s eyes you are a father. This is your greatest calling. Have you begun to fulfill that calling. Are you passing on to your children those things that God has given to you to give to them. Do they know who they are? Do they know how to truly succeed? Do they cherish and protect their heritage?

It is a daunting task and calls for great strength and wisdom, more than most of us have but not more than God can give. Fathers, if you do nothing else this Fathers Day please go sincerely to God and ask him from the depths of your heart to make you a the father your children need you to be.
 - Pastor Kris