When David felt that his departure for his heavenly home was near, he called his son, now King Solomon, and gave him an important message: he was to keep the observance of the Lord, his God. His advice should be studied carefully, because we are the continuators of Jesus' work. Let's remember what he said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father (John 14.12).

David taught his son that following the Lord's commands would allow him to walk in the ways of the Messiah, who would come a thousand years later. The apostle Peter spoke of Christ in this way: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him (Acts 10.38). Couldn't this be the reason why many Christians don't get answers to their requests? I think so!

Without walking in the Savior's ways, we will never keep God's statutes, and the result will be sad, because we will be accountable for the talents that were at our disposal. The statutes are sets of rules about what we can do and what we shouldn't even want to do. Remember: not only the great and evil practices are harmful, but also the little foxes (Song of Solomon 2.15). Even a tilde will be fulfilled (Luke 16:17).

We will be loved by Jesus and the Father if we have the commandments and keep them (John 14:21). Not paying attention to what He asks of us will land us in the dock. We will set an example by obeying the Lord. Imagine if, when He molded man from the dust of the earth, He said that the pituitary gland was worthless and suppressed it? Then we wouldn't grow as we were meant to, or we'd never stop growing. Why despise the little things?

Anyone who doesn't take an interest in learning or makes an effort to comply with the judgments informed by the Word, which came from the Father's heart and were made by Jesus, will be ashamed before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Meditate on the Master's deeds after feeding five thousand men, plus women and children, with five loaves of bread and two small fish. Didn't he tell them to gather those who were left? Some disciple might have said: “No need, he has the power to do more whenever he wants” (John 6:1-12).

None of the Savior's disciples ventured to disobey His command. Martha was at one of the services and participated in the revelation that, if she believed, she would see the glory of God. When she complained that her brother had died, Jesus reminded her of what He had said. That was a rebuke, for He said: Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11.40).

David warned Solomon to fulfill everything written in the Law of Moses, so that he would prosper in everything he did. It would be good for all shepherds to show love for the Lord's sheep which they have been entrusted to nurture and preserve (Acts 20:28). God will collect!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares