HEARTS PREPARED August 25, 2020

The Word we read today details the turnover ceremony from Israel’s King David to his most favorite son, Solomon.  It seems to me that even in the olden times and until now, it is grander than any ceremony humanity has ever witnessed.  Not because of all the gold and silver and precious things offered, but because of what drives it.

 

We read that the king led the people in offering up much treasures, as well as setting aside more than enough provisions for the finishing construction of GOD’s temple and the palace of the king (verses 1 to 9).  Though the work was entrusted to a young King Solomon, yet his father asked from GOD that which GOD blessed him first—a heart that is tried and prepared for Him, ready and willing to let GOD guide Him in the way (verses 17 to 19), especially in being a ruler and good shepherd of the people He has entrusted.

 

The king also thanked and praised GOD for His greatness, power and glory, and His grace and favor.  He clearly understood that man is but a stranger on earth, and this fleeting life can only have meaning if offered back to the One who gave it in the first place. (verses 10 to 16)

 

Then the king commanded the people to also bless GOD, give glory to Him, and offer up their best, then rejoice in His bounty and goodness. (verses 20 to 22)  And in obedience to his instructions, they once again affirmed Solomon’s kingship, gave him the loyalty they gave to his father, and duly recorded all King David’s accomplishments. (verses 23 to 30)

 

In real life, and before the easy access to social media, only very few people actually have their lives chronicled well.  Now with social media, every little tidbit is broadcast for all the world to see, but most of the contents have very little actual value.  No offense meant, but we see parents proudly announce their children to be receiving this and that award; some brandish to the whole world how good they look, how many new housekeeping skills they have mastered, or how many new toys and shiny new things they have accumulated. 

 

But the ones that really matter, the ones that King David asked GOD for, are really few and far between.  One only has to read between the lines to realize that many hearts indeed have not yet been prepared to be turned over to the One who made it.  And it also seems like many of those who are at the point in their lives when they must turn over to a new generation, the management and administration of things entrusted to their care, only actually care more for fame, wealth, and glory for themselves, rather than leaving good values, godly character, humility and faith to their successors, like the ones exemplified by King David.

 

It took a pandemic to make many people realize that they are hungry for a true word of encouragement that brings a blessing that is not burdensome, a word that gives deep satisfaction and contentment, not empty promises and wishes for a better life, but one that readies us for a life that is freer and more at peace and secured than the ones we have now.

 

Good thing that there are ministers and spiritual men and women of GOD who are now getting more noticed in social media and the internet.  At least we know that there is hope yet for all of us, to keep our minds, to maintain our sanity, to give us encouragement to go on and persevere.  Even if the pandemic ends tomorrow or after several years yet, may we find the time and the willingness to have our hearts prepared for the greater things that GOD has in store for us today and in the future.