Handle Your Business

Come: 1 Kings 2:1-2; 9: Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man…. Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him; but bring his gray hair down to the grave with blood.”

Hear: David is speaking his final words and he is advising Solomon as to current and lingering issues regarding the Kingdom. He recounts some unfinished business; business that he was unwilling to handle on his own watch. David, for all his faithfulness and zeal for God, was one who let some things go unhandled, most especially when it related to personal relationships. He did not handle the issue of his own wife, which led to Bathsheba/Uriah and the death of a son of David. He did not handle the issue with Tamar being raped and that produced a problem with Absalom. He did not handle the issue with Adonijah trying to ascend the throne without proper authorization. In many times of David’s life he let things go under the heading of “mercy” or “humility.” For instance, when he was leaving the city, fleeing from another problem with Absalom, a man met him on the way and cursed him with great vigor. David did not take appropriate action with that man at that time and so it is left to Solomon to defend his father’s honor, the honor of the kingship by not allowing a citizen under this monarchy to speak so insolently to the king of Israel. Joab executed some men of renown with prejudice and David never dealt with Joab’s inpropriety; it was left to Solomon.

Do: Handle your business. Do not let it go unaddressed. This does not mean to handle it right away or in the heat of passion. Consider it before the Lord, but ACT. Remember David’s command to Solomon: “be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man”. Do not sin in your own heart, a “feeling sorry for yourself” emotional state or fear cause you to draw back from handling people business. Collect yourself. Present yourself and your case before the Lord. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Act according to what you heard and the principles set forth in God’s Word.

Prayer: Lord may I not be slothful in handling the issues that are before me. Let me be found faithful in every aspect of life. Help me be just and equitable, always with a heart of love for people, but decisive and resolute nonetheless. Forgive me for times when I have fallen short and flat out blown it. Give me Your wisdom to discern the battle that it may bring profit to all in Your Name.