Many times in life,I have been called to the bedside of the dying to comfort the grieving family that is soon to be left behind. I recall times when family members have said, "I wish I had told them how much I loved them". I also remember times when sons and daughters stated, "I never heard dad say, "I love you", Are there things you wish to say to your loved ones before you leave this life? Let us look to the Word of God for an example from the life of King David. I have found many times over the years at the time of death those who are soon to depart will often talk of what is important to them. They will want to impart some special instruction to their children or spouse. Let’s see what David had to say to his son, Solomon.
(1) David First Of All Tells Solomon:
(A) Son Know Your Father’s God.
(a) You should know Him as the God who forgives sin.
(Psalms 86:5), "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; plentious in mercy unto them who call upon thee."
(1st John 1:9), "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
(b)Many Children Do Not Know the God Of Their Father!
(1st, Cor. 15:34), "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."
(B)You Should Know Him as the God Who Loves You.
(a)"For God so Loved...."
It is said that the Niagrara Falls once stopped flowing due to blockage caused by icing over. Gone was the rainbow caused by the mist that had ascended into the sunlight. Gone also was the roar of the waves as they crashed to the bottom of the falls.
Unlike the Niagara Falls, God’s Love will never stop flowing.
(2) Son Serve Your Father’s God!
(A) If we were to tell our children to serve the same God we had served in life, would they know who we were talking about?
(B) It is not enough just to know God, but son, you must serve Him.
(a) Serve Him With A Perfect Heart!
A perfect heart is one that is not divided. You can’t love God and His kingdom as well as loving this world.
(b) Serve Him With A Willing Mind:
To serve with a willing mind means to serve with joy.
It should always be a joy to serve God.
(Psalms 100:4), "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."
Too many father’s set a bad example to their children in serving God.
(c)Father’s, be careful, what is important to us may also be important to our children.
Our children are watching.
Remember, actions speak Louder than words.
Don’t ask your children to make serving God more of a priority that you are willing to.
(3) Son Serve Your Father’s God Because:
(A) Because the Lord searches the heart.
(B) Because the Lord rewards, If you seek Him He will be found. Son, don’t you see, God will make Himself known to you if you seek Him.
(C) Because if you should not serve Him.
He will cast you off forever.
