The traditional Chinese parents of previous generations (perhaps up to the present) set their life goal as storing up treasures for their children’s future even for their children’s children.
King David set out a different kind of legacy. He had a desire to build a house for God – the God he loved and served. But God had his son, Solomon built the temple instead. So what did David do?
1 Chronicles 22
(vv.2-5) David made preparations for building the temple – stones, timber, even up iron to make the nails (the smallest details) needed for the building of the temple. He thought his son was young and inexperienced. And God’s temple was to be exceedingly great and glorious. So to bridge the gap of the great task to the young inexperienced builder, David made ‘ample’ (enough) preparations before he died.
(vv6-19) David taught his son. He called him to one-on-one father-to-son intimate talk.
Purpose (6-8): David told Solomon his intentions: to build a house for God. He also told him God’s response and the reasons for it. He directed Solomon to the purpose and the goal God has set on him.
Promise (9-13): David passed on to his son, God’s promise of blessings and presence. God will give peace. Solomon will build a house for him. There will be a father and son relationship – God and Solomon. God will give wisdom (v.12) Solomon must obey God. David exhorted his son to be strong and brave. On what basis? On the foundation of God’s word – His presence, his peace, his wisdom will be with Solomon ‘if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concerning Israel (v.13).
Provisions (14-19): David then told Solomon of the materials that are prepared for the task. He also instructed the people to support and help Solomon in the endeavor to build God’s house.
Lessons to learn:
David’s devotion to God: His heart is for God. Even when God didn’t allow him to build the temple, David still participated in the mission. He did what he could. He prepared his son to do the job well.
David’s legacy to Solomon: More than material provisions, David passed on the legacy of his devotion to God. He taught his son to love God, to obey God. How? He showed him who God is, what He does, what He promises to do, what He will do for Solomon.
Being a parent is more than just giving my children the material things, it is important for them to know God, to love and obey Him. When they experience God in their daily acts of obedience, these experiences enable them to be strong and brave – fit for the tasks they need to do
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Do I know God’s purpose for me? Am I discerning to His voice? Do I pass this calling on to my children?
Do I know God’s promises for me? Do I believe His Words? Do I mirror this faith to my children?
Do I make provisions for my children to live out God’s calling? Do I teach them by walking my talk? What kind of preparation am I making for my children?
More than physical provisions, spiritual nourishment comes from God alone. Who and where is God in the legacy I leave my children?
Am I a disciple of Jesus? Do I love as Jesus loves? Do I give as God gives? Am I slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness as my compassionate God? Do I practice justice and righteousness in my daily living?
Jeremiah 9
23 Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
Wisdom, strength and riches… all these go away. We get old, we get sick with our mortal bodies. Wealth does not last. A Hokkien saying: Hoh giah boh keh sah tai. Wealth does not last beyond 3 generations.
A parent’s lasting legacy is his knowledge and understanding of the God who create him. Do I know and understand that my Lord is one who is lovingly kind, just and righteous? Do I take delight in these things that my Lord delights? How can I pass on this legacy to my children?
I exercise and practice to be loving and kind everyday to people who cannot repay the good deeds, even to those who do not deserve kindness.
I practice to hold my tongue to complain, to get upset when things do not go my way. I need to constantly be focused on being grateful instead of being greedy… being joyful instead of being grouchy… to count my blessings.
How will I live out this lasting legacy today? By God’s grace and mercy alone… so help me God.
