In the biblical line of Kings, David is a key player. I have written about him before but just as a reminder, he is the 2nd king that takes over the throne after King Saul who had turned away from God.

David is described as “a man after God’s heart” and whilst he wasn’t perfect, overall he did a wonderful job at leading Israel towards the Lord. Towards the end of his life God promises David that his descendants would have a place on the throne forever. God specifically tells him that one of his sons Solomon, would be next and that through him a new temple would be established. David had fought the wars and laid the foundations for Solomon’s reign.

Solomon has huge success as a king. He builds an incredible temple for the Lord and a palace for himself. He amasses riches beyond what people could imagine. Israel was so prosperous at this time that even silver wasn’t worth much! All the nations of the world sought an audience with Solomon. This was the high point and what proved to be the golden age of Israel.

However in the midst of the success and adulation Solomon takes his eyes of the Lord. Most of this came from Solomon’s desire for foreign wives who worshipped other gods. They convinced him to build shrines and monuments to their gods in Israel which defiled the commandments and convents Solomon had made with the one true God.

The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 1 Kings 11:9-10

This was always going to have a consequence.

So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. 1 Kings 11:11

This news would of course have been devastating. Not only was his legacy going to be destroyed but also that of his father David. Interestingly the next verse takes a surprising turn.

Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” 1 Kings 11:9-13

That is incredible. David’s devotion and obedience in his life didn’t just matter for while he was alive but they have had an affect on the generations that would come after him. It was David’s lifestyle that stopped God ripping anything away from Solomon and his devotion that ensured the kingdom remained in his family throughout the generations.

What does this mean for us?

Does how we live our lives not just affect us? And I don’t just mean the people around us, but the generations that come after us? I understand this in the natural; finances, possessions etc. but in the spiritual it has a huge impact as well. My choices spiritually could have an effect on my great great grandkids. If this is true then their is an increased weight to how I live my life. It really matters.

We can choose to see this and feel pressure or we can see the opportunity. I’m choosing opportunity!