June 11 - Passing on the baton

By Paul Machira, All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi

1 Kings chapter 2 narrates how when the great King David was nearing the time of his death, he summoned his son Solomon to whom he was to bequeath the responsibility of becoming the next King of Israel.

“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” 1Kings 2:1-2

King David had lived a full life. He had seen it all and done it all and deservedly earned the right to advise his son what he needed to do to be a successful king, especially now that he was leaving behind a united, prosperous nation, his many shortcomings notwithstanding.