KINGS WHO WALK WITH GOD

In his prayer at the dedication of the temple, Solomon remembered the promise that God had made to his father David: that the descendants of David would occupy the throne of Israel if they were careful to walk faithfully with God. Solomon recalled this promise as he prayed on behalf of the people.

The amazing thing about God’s promise to David is that God pledged never to turn away from David’s descendants. If David’s line did wrong, God would send punishment but would never withdraw his love. “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). What an astonishing promise of grace!

Of course, not all of David’s descendents walked faithfully with God. Eventually even the physical throne in Jerusalem was torn away. But David’s line continued through a remnant. (See 2 Chronicles 36:19-20.) Even when people are faithless, God is faithful.

God’s promise of a king from David’s line was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of David and the Son of God. Jesus walked with God and obeyed him perfectly every day of his life. His faithful walk makes possible not only our forgiveness but also our own walk of faith with God.

Prayer

Jesus, you are the King of kings. Help me to walk faithfully with you and to serve in the hope of your coming kingdom. In your name, Amen.

Adrian A. Helleman