Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Kings 2:1-3 (New Living Translation)

As the time of King David’s death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon:

² “I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. ³ Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.

(Former) King David is about to die. He talks with his son, the new King Solomon. What does he tell him?

• Take courage
• Be a man
• Observe (follow, obey) the requirements of the LORD your God
• Keep (follow, obey) the written Law of Moses

These bits of advice are pretty good. I believe they apply to new leaders today, not matter what position of leadership one might occupy.

But I also like the justification for these instructions. Why do these things?

so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go

These instructions aren’t just for fun and profit or some sense of right. They lead to success.