1 Kings 2

God made a promise of steadfast love to David in 2 Samuel 7. That promise would be fulfilled. Yet the way that the Lord's good Word would work out in the lives of individual descendants of David would also uphold the importance of obedience. None of the kings of Israel had the right to presume that it would be safe to disobey the Lord's commandments.

As David prepared for his own death, he wanted Solomon to understand the necessity of following the Lord. The pathway of sovereign grace does not negate divine discipline but establishes it. Our knowledge of grace can never be an excuse for walking in sin. We cannot continue in sin under the pretext that this will be a good way to make grace abound.

Even in the days of Solomon, the Son of David would be an agent of God's justice. Men like Joab and Shimei would finally face the consequences of their outrageous actions. Loyal and merciful men like Barzillai would find their kindnesses returning even to their children.

David's days on this earth were soon completed and his son reigned in his place. Solomon proved himself to be vigorous in his pursuit of justice. Adonijah died swiftly for his subtle efforts to work through Solomon's mother to obtain David's concubine. Abiathar the priest was sent into exile. Joab was put to death even though he had fled to the alter of the Lord for refuge. Shimei was tested by the king and found wanting. When he violated the terms of the king's tolerance, retribution against him was very swift.

Solomon did all of this with words of complete confidence. He did not give any hint of fear that he was bringing trouble upon his own house. He spoke of the peace and blessing that would coming from his willingness to be strong and courageous in the cause of what was right. “King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.”

When the Son of David returns to the earth with His angels and all His heavenly kingdom, He will execute the justice of His Father as the Lord of all knowledge and power. Even now, Jesus is working out His holy purposes on the earth.

The gospel of mercy goes forth to all who will receive the Word of the King of Glory. Christ will establish His church. Nothing will stop Him. But the certainty of divine grace is never an excuse to live against the Word of the King. The church that will not repent will find her lampstand removed.

When Jesus comes for His bride, those who have hated her will not do well to begin to claim that they have done great things for God for which they deserve heaven's wages. The Lord's justice will be swift against all pretenders. Their own words will testify against them.

The Lord's mercy will be upon all who, by the riches of His grace, love Him with an everlasting love. It would be wise and good for us to live sober and upright lives today as we wait for the coming of our glorious King.