After David died, Solomon had some
pieces of David's rule to clean up. David allowed some of his
leaders to act in unrighteous ways, without punishment. Before
David dies, he charges Solomon to take care of Joab and Shimei.
Joab shed blood during peacetime and lived war on a daily basis.
But, David appears to not be man enough to take care of Joab during his
own rule; he leaves judgment to his son, Solomon.
Solomon is faithful to take care of several messes that David
leaves. When you read 2 Kings 2, you see bodies dying everywhere,
even in the tabernacle. Solomon executes great judgment as he
establishes his kingdom in righteousness.
This reminds
me that parents should not leave messes for our children to clean up
when we are not around. For most of us, myself included, the day
that we are not with our children seems far away. But we should
live with our eyes focused on the future, allowing our children the
opportunities to lead for God's kingdom, without having to take care of
messes we leave behind. My husband tells dads that they need to
be men themselves, so they can be a role model for their sons.
Kerry
A Father's Stew: Biblical Integration of Family, Work, Ministry
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